By Abbanobi -Eku Onyeka
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content who represents Delta South, Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, has condemned the attack on women and girls during a festival in Oramudu Community, Ozoro Kingdom, Delta State.
A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), he described the incident as “criminal, barbaric, and an egregious violation of human dignity”.
In a statement he personally signed, Thomas expressed his pain and outrage over the incident, saying “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 emphasized that the culture of the people is rooted in peace, respect, and protection of human dignity, especially for women.
He lauded the swift response of the indigenous people of Ozoro, the President General of Ozoro, local vigilante groups, and the Nigeria Police Force in rescuing the victims and restoring order.
He urged the police to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation, stressing that “everyone must be seen to be served. This is non-negotiable”.
