Ozoro Festival Assault: Senator Thomas Demands Justice, Insists ‘No Place for Such Barbarity in Isoko Culture’

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content and Senator representing Delta South, Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, has strongly condemned the attack on women and girls during a festival in Oramudu Community, Ozoro Kingdom, describing the incident as “criminal” and a gross violation of human dignity.

The lawmaker, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made his position known in a statement personally signed on Monday, following his visit to Anthony Ogbogbo Ibuka I, the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, at his palace in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.

Reacting to the incident, Thomas distanced the Isoko culture from the acts, stressing that the assault does not reflect the traditions or values of the people.

“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,” he said.

“Our culture is 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 actions of a few criminal elements,” he added.

The senator called for swift justice and urged security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, to carry out a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident.

He commended the prompt intervention of community members, local vigilante groups, and security operatives in rescuing victims and restoring calm, but insisted that perpetrators must be held accountable.

“Everyone must be seen to be served. This is non-negotiable,” he stated.

Thomas further urged community leaders and cultural custodians to implement stricter safeguards during festivals and public gatherings to prevent a recurrence.

Condemning all forms of gender-based violence, the lawmaker stressed that sexual assault, molestation, and harassment have no place in society.

“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,” he said.

He also appealed for calm among residents of Ozoro Kingdom and the wider Isoko nation, assuring that he would collaborate with stakeholders and security agencies to ensure justice is served and preventive measures are strengthened.

“Together, we will uphold the values that make Ozoro Kingdom a beacon of peace, culture, and progress,” he concluded.