Delta State Police Command Leads High-Level Community Engagement in Ozoro Amid Sexual Assault Investigation

In a decisive move to address the ongoing investigation into alleged sexual assault incidents in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, today led the Command’s top management team on a strategic fact-finding and confidence-building visit to the community. He was accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, and other senior officers.

As part of the visit, CP Adesola paid a courtesy call on the traditional ruler of Ozoro Kingdom, HRM Barr. Anthony Uvietobore Ogbogbo (JP), Ibuka I. He briefed the monarch on the progress of the investigation and reaffirmed the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on all forms of sexual and gender-based violence.

The Commissioner also held extensive engagements with key stakeholders, including the Chairman of Isoko North LGA, Hon. (Elder) Godwin Ogorugba; the President-General of Ozoro Community, Chief Berkley Asiafa; the NANS Zonal Coordinator (South-South), Comrade Victor Ogechukwu; and the SUG President of Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Oribelua Precious. He further interacted directly with some of the victims.

CP Adesola stated that the visit was prompted by the troubling incident and emphasized that the Inspector-General of Police is deeply concerned. He described the development as an embarrassment to the LGA, the State, and the nation, assuring that the Command will not relent until all those involved are arrested and prosecuted. He further assured residents, particularly students, that proactive measures are being strengthened to prevent a recurrence across the State, commending the students for their restraint and maturity in opting for dialogue over protest.

In his remarks, HRM Barr. Anthony Uvietobore Ogbogbo (JP), Ibuka I, condemned the incident in strong terms, stressing that no girl child should be subjected to such an experience. He praised the Commissioner for his swift response and professional handling of the matter, as well as the student body for their calm and responsible conduct. The monarch also commended the State Government for its support and demanded that all involved be arrested and prosecuted. He further directed that no festival or gathering be held in the Kingdom without prior recourse to the Palace for proper guidance, to prevent a recurrence.

Hon. (Elder) Godwin Ogorugba, Chairman of Isoko North LGA, described the incident as unfortunate, clarifying that there is no such thing as a “rape festival” in Ozoro, but rather a cultural event that was mismanaged and hijacked by criminal elements. He noted that key stakeholders were not duly informed before the event and assured that the State Government will support the Police to ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice.

Similarly, Comrade Victor Ogechukwu commended the CP for his prompt and decisive intervention, noting that the student body adopted dialogue to manage the situation and prevent escalation.

The Commissioner of Police reiterated that the Command maintains an active Gender Desk at the State Headquarters for handling cases of sexual and gender-based violence and encouraged victims to utilize the facility with assurance of confidentiality.

The Delta State Police Command condemns the incident in totality and reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to ensuring justice and maintaining public safety. Members of the public are urged to provide credible information to aid ongoing investigations.