Singer Spyro has condemned the assault of women during a festival in Ozoro, Delta State.
On Friday, he shared a post on Instagram, saying: “Watched a video of some men in Ozoro molesting a girl and it is really heartbreaking to see that such can even be happening in a civilized world. I personally think that the penalty for such acts should be gruesome and we as a people should stand up and not just speak up but take steps against acts like this, we can’t fold our arms and watch wickedness thrive. #SAYNOTORAPE.”
He also urged authorities to take action: “I urge the @dsgovernment and the @delta_state_police and all well meaning Nigerians to look into this and take proper actions to bring these culprits to book.”
Videos circulating online show women being harassed and attacked during the festival. Some users reported warnings in the community advising women to stay indoors during the event.
The Delta State Police responded, with spokesperson Bright Edafe calling the incident “alarming, disgusting and embarrassing.”
He said the commissioner of police, Aina Adesola, had ordered a full investigation. “No custom or tradition is superior to the rights of citizens,” Edafe added. He urged witnesses to come forward and assured that those responsible would be arrested and prosecuted.
Police have arrested five people in connection with the incident, including the community head and chief organiser of the Ozoro festival, identified as Omorede Sunday, along with four others from Oramudu quarters. They are to be transferred to the state criminal investigation department for further questioning and possible prosecution.
The incident, which occurred on March 19, has drawn widespread condemnation across social media.
