_Ozoro, Isoko North LGA, Delta State_ —
Engineer Henry Ochuko Odugba, APC chieftain and President of the Concerned Isoko Youths for Good Governance, has strongly condemned the assaults on women and female students during the Alue-Do Festival in Ozoro, describing the attacks as “barbaric, shameful, and a betrayal of Isoko values.”
“Chasing, stripping, and molesting our sisters under any guise is not culture—it is criminality, pure and simple,” Odugba said. “Our tradition protects; it does not humiliate. No custom can override the dignity, safety, and rights of women and girls.”
He commended the Delta State Police Command for acting swiftly—arresting the alleged chief organiser and other suspects—and urged both the Command and the State Government to ensure that every perpetrator is identified and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Speaking directly to young people across Isoko land, Odugba warned against cultism, drug abuse, gender-based violence, and the mob mentality that fueled the Ozoro incident.
“If you love Isoko, protect our women. Channel your energy into education, skills, enterprise, and community service—not acts that bring disgrace to our name and trauma to our families. We will not shield anyone who brings dishonour to our land.”
He also appealed to parents, traditional rulers, faith leaders, and student bodies to intensify sensitisation in homes, palaces, churches, and campuses, and to collaborate with security agencies to restore confidence—particularly among female students who, reports indicate, have been leaving Ozoro out of fear.
“Let this be a turning point,” Odugba added. “Isoko must be known for discipline, respect, and progress—not for headlines that hurt us all. We stand with the victims and demand justice, healing, and safeguards to ensure that such an incident never happens again in our community.”