The Delta State Police Command has confirmed that 11 suspects arrested in connection with the disturbing incidents during a local festival in Ozoro have been charged in court. This development comes after significant public outcry regarding the alleged assaults that occurred during the festival held on March 19.

SP Bright Edafe, the Public Relations Officer for the Delta State Police, revealed that the suspects were arraigned on an eight-count charge. However, he highlighted a major obstacle in the prosecution process: the absence of victims or witnesses willing to come forward to testify. This lack of cooperation poses a serious challenge to the case, which has already drawn national attention due to the nature of the allegations.

The festival in question is an annual event in Oramudu Quarters, where community traditions dictate that women must remain indoors. Reports indicate that during this year's festival, several women were harassed and assaulted by groups of men who disregarded these boundaries. Disturbing videos circulated on social media, showing men attacking women in the streets, leading to widespread condemnation and calls for justice.

Despite the arrests made following the incident, Edafe noted that those who were able to meet their bail conditions were released, while others remain in custody. The police have faced criticism for their handling of the situation, particularly regarding the lack of victim support and the challenges in securing testimonies for the prosecution.

In light of recent allegations of similar incidents during another festival in Ekpan, Edafe stated that he has not received any formal reports about such occurrences. He emphasized that the festival in Ozoro was not intended as a targeted assault event but was organized by a chief priest as a traditional prayer gathering for women seeking to conceive.

The community and advocacy groups continue to call for more robust measures to protect women and ensure that such incidents do not recur. As the case unfolds, the Delta State Police are under pressure to ensure justice is served and to address the underlying issues that lead to such violent acts during cultural celebrations.