The apex social political body of the people of Niger Delta, Pan Niger Delta Forum, (PANDEL), calls on the Nigeria police to act without delay to investigate the alleged female harassment and assult at Ozoro festival, Delta state. On no account should any traditional practice jeopardise the constitutional rights of citizens in any society, kingdom, or community.
A press statement signed by PANDEF National Spokesman, Chief Obiuwevbi Ominimini on March 23, 2026 said, Ozoro has been a peaceful community, hosting a large number of nonindigenes for years.
The statement said Ozoro is the local government headquarters of Isoko North LGA and it is also host to a major academic institution of learning, the Delta state University of Science and Technology with so many young male and female students.
“Whatever traditional practice be it a festival or not that occurs in any given community, it must must consider the rights of others, mostly the nonindigens who have their full right to their own religion and other freedoms as enshrined in the Nigeria constitution which is the grundnorm of all laws in Nigeria.
PAMDEF however, commended the swift actions of the Monarch of the Kingdom and the President General who came out boldly to condemn such barbaric action in this 21st century.
“Those involved in this dastardly act must be brought to book without delay. This shall serve as a deterent to others. The world has moved past such barbaric traditional practices. All traditional practices within a given community must be subject to the laws of the state.
The statement concluded that, Ozoro is a community of elites with sophisticated education and leadership, headed by a first class traditional ruler.
“The leadership of the Kingdom must, therefore, put measures in place to avoid such occurrences in the future.
