The Inspector-General of Police has directed the Delta State Police Command to conduct a thorough investigation into the reported physical and sexual assault on young women during a traditional festival in Isoko community of Delta State. The incident, which has sparked widespread outrage, was said to have occurred in the university town and administrative headquarters of Osoko North Local Government Area. Videos of the assault went viral, prompting the Inspector-General to express deep concern.
The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Mr Aina Adesola, personally visited Ozoro to meet with stakeholders, including traditional, community, and student leaders. He was accompanied by members of the Delta State Police Command's management team, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Mr Olumuyiwa Adejobi, and other senior officers. The visit was described as a "strategic fact-finding and confidence-building visit."
During the visit, the police commissioner paid a courtesy call on the traditional ruler of Ozoro Kingdom, HRM Anthony Uvietobore Ogbogbo, Ibuka I, and briefed the monarch on the progress of the ongoing investigation. The state police commissioner also engaged key stakeholders, including the Chairman of Isoko North, Mr Godwin Ogorugba, and the President-General of Ozoro Community, Chief Berkley Asiafa.
The Inspector-General's swift action in directing a thorough investigation into the disturbing incident of gender-based violence in Delta State is a welcome development. However, the fact that such incidents continue to occur in our communities is a stark reminder of the need for sustained efforts to address the root causes of these crimes. The Delta State Police Command must be commended for taking proactive measures to strengthen security in Ozoro and Isoko North. However, it is equally important that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes are brought to justice. The Inspector-General's zero-tolerance policy for all forms of sexual and gender-based violence must be upheld, and the police must work closely with stakeholders to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
