The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, has issued a fierce condemnation following a violent assault on women and girls in Ozoro Kingdom, in Delta State.
The attack occurred during a festival in the Oramudu Community of Ozoro Kingdom, the administrative heart of the Isoko North Local Government Area.
Senator Thomas, representing Delta South under the All Progressives Congress (APC), described the incident as “criminal, barbaric, and an egregious violation of human dignity.”
Setting the Record Straight on Isoko Tradition
Following a personal visit to the palace of His Royal Majesty, Anthony Ogbogbo Ibuka I, the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, the Senator released a signed statement on Monday. He sought to protect the reputation of his heritage while calling for swift legal action.
“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,” the statement read.
He further clarified the cultural values of the region: “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.”
A Call for Accountability and Safety
The Senator praised the indigenous people of Ozoro, the President General, local vigilante groups, and the Nigeria Police Force for their quick response in rescuing the victims. However, he insisted that the investigation must be exhaustive.
“Everyone must be seen to be served. This is non-negotiable,” Thomas stressed. He urged community leaders and cultural custodians to implement stricter safety measures for public events to ensure such trauma is never repeated.
“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 behavior, and no girl or woman should ever again be exposed to such humiliation.”
Restoring Peace in Ozoro
Appealing for calm throughout the Isoko land, Senator Thomas assured residents that he is working closely with security agencies and stakeholders. His primary goal remains delivering justice and building preventive frameworks.
“Together, we will uphold the values that make Ozoro Kingdom a beacon of peace, culture, and progress,” he concluded.
