Yesterday, I visited His Royal Majesty, Anthony Ogbogbo Ibuka I, the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, at his palace in Ozoro to express my solidarity with the kingdom and, most importantly, with the victims of the deeply troubling incident that occurred during a festival in Oramudu Community, Ozoro Kingdom—the headquarters of Isoko North Local Government Area, Delta State. This visit provided me with first-hand insight into the events that transpired and reinforced my unwavering commitment to justice and the protection of women’s dignity.
Let me begin by condemning, in totality, the heinous acts that have left our community outraged. The reported assault on women during what should have been a peaceful cultural celebration is criminal, barbaric, and an egregious violation of human dignity. Such actions have no place in any civil society, and I am appalled that anyone would exploit the sanctity of a cultural festival to commit such atrocities.
As an Isoko man, I feel deeply pained by the misrepresentation of our people and our traditions. Let me make this absolutely clear: there is no such thing as a "rape festival" in Ozoro Kingdom or anywhere in Isoko land. Our culture is deeply rooted in peace, respect, and the protection of human dignity, especially for women. What transpired in Oramudu Community was not a reflection of our heritage, but the vile actions of criminal elements who hijacked a legitimate fertility festival to perpetrate their despicable acts.
From the accounts I gathered during my visit, it is evident that this was the work of a few bad actors who sought to tarnish the image of our peaceful community. I am grateful to God and to the swift intervention of the indigenous people of Ozoro, the President General of Ozoro, the local vigilante group, and the Nigeria Police Force, who acted quickly to rescue the victims and restore order.
It must be emphasised that all forms of sexual assault, molestation, harassment, and any actions that inflict harm or trauma on women are utterly unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms. Our tradition forbids such behaviour, and no girl or woman should ever again be exposed to such humiliation, harassment, or physical assault. It is not just wrong; it is a grave injustice that must be eradicated from our society.
I am calling on the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into this matter. Every individual involved in this appalling incident must be identified, apprehended, and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Justice must not only be served but must be seen to be served. This is non-negotiable.
The Isoko people are known for their hospitality, peace, and strong moral values. We do not condone crime, let alone acts that dehumanise and degrade women. This incident is a stain on our collective values, and we must ensure that it is never repeated.
I also urge the relevant authorities, community leaders, and cultural custodians to implement stricter measures to oversee festivals and public gatherings. These events are meant to celebrate our rich heritage and foster unity, not to become platforms for fear and shame. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that our cultural celebrations remain a source of pride and joy for all.
To the people of Ozoro Kingdom and Isoko land, I appeal for calm and patience as the authorities carry out their investigation. I assure you that I will work closely with all stakeholders, including security agencies, to ensure that justice is delivered and that proactive measures are put in place to prevent such despicable acts from occurring in the future.
The strength of any society lies in its ability to protect its most vulnerable members. Violence against women is a stain on our humanity, and we must all rise together to condemn it in the strongest terms and ensure its eradication.
Together, we will uphold the values that make Ozoro Kingdom a beacon of peace, culture, and progress.
Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas
Delta South
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