The Delta State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, has confirmed that 11 suspects arrested in connection with the controversial r@pe festival that happened in Oramudu Quarters, Ozoro, last Thursday, March 19, have been officially charged to court.
Recall that back in March, there was national outrage after some youths in the area violated several women. Disturbing videos shared online showed multiple ladies being assaulted by men who attacked them during a local festival.
According to reports, the community holds an annual festival in March during which ladies are barred from being seen in public, and any woman who fails to remain indoors is harassed by the men holding the festival. Videos shared online at the time showed several young men running towards ladies they saw on the road, ripping their clothes off and molesting them. It was alleged that some of the ladies were assaulted by the rampaging men.
Following the public outcry, the state police command announced it had arrested some suspects, but not much was heard afterward.
In a chat with LIB today, October 28, Edafe stated that the 11 suspects arrested were arraigned in court on an eight-count charge. However, he noted that the case has suffered a serious setback as no victim or witness has come forward to help with the prosecution.
He further disclosed to LIB that the suspects arrested were granted bail upon their arraignment in court. Those who met their bail conditions were released, while those who failed to meet their conditions were remanded in custody.
On recent allegations that some young ladies were s3xually assaulted during a similar festival in Ekpan, Edafe stated that he has not received any such report.
Back in March, Edafe clarified that the incident was not a targeted assault festival, but rather a traditional festival organized by a chief priest to pray for barren women seeking the fruit of the womb.