Attack on Women in Oramudu: Senator Thomas Seeks Justice, Urges Preventive Measures

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content and Senator representing Delta South, Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, has strongly condemned the attack on women and girls during a festival in Oramudu Community, Ozoro Kingdom, headquarters of Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.

Thomas, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), described the incident as “criminal, barbaric, and an egregious violation of human dignity.”
In a statement he personally signed on Monday after visiting His Royal Majesty, Anthony Ogbogbo Ibuka I, the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, at his palace, the senator called for swift justice and enhanced protection of women’s rights.
According to him, “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. 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.”
Thomas commended the prompt response of the indigenous people of Ozoro, the President General of Ozoro, local vigilante groups, and the Nigeria Police Force in rescuing victims and restoring order. He urged the police to carry out a thorough and transparent investigation, stressing that “everyone must be seen to be served. This is non-negotiable.”
He also called on community leaders and cultural custodians to enforce stricter measures during festivals and public events to prevent a recurrence.
“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,” he added.
The senator appealed for calm among residents of Ozoro Kingdom and Isoko land, assuring that he would collaborate with stakeholders and security agencies to ensure justice is served and preventive measures are put in place.
“Together, we will uphold the values that make Ozoro Kingdom a beacon of peace, culture, and progress,” he concluded.