Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas Denounces Attacks On Women In Ozoro, Refutes ‘Rape Festival’ Claims As Criminal Misrepresentation

Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas denounces attacks on women in Ozoro, refuting claims of a 'rape festival' and calling for a transparent police probe.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 25, 2026, 10:33 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Champion News

A Firm Rejection Of Violence Against Women

Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, has issued a scathing condemnation of recent attacks directed at women and girls in the Oramudu Community of Ozoro. Describing the incidents as "criminal, barbaric, and an egregious violation of human dignity," the Senator emphasized that such actions have no place in a civilized society. The APC lawmaker made these remarks following a high-level solidarity visit to the palace of His Royal Majesty, Anthony Ogbogbo Ibuka I, the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, where he pledged his support for the victims and the traditional leadership.

Correcting The Narrative On Isoko Traditions

A central theme of the Senator's statement was the defense of Isoko cultural heritage against what he termed "malicious misrepresentation." Senator Thomas addressed viral rumors and reports suggesting the existence of a "rape festival" within the Ozoro Kingdom. "As an Isoko man, I feel deeply pained by the misrepresentation of our people," the Senator stated. He clarified that Isoko culture is fundamentally rooted in peace and the protection of women, asserting that the violence in Oramudu was the work of isolated criminal elements rather than a reflection of communal tradition.

Commending Local Security And Vigilante Efforts

Despite the gravity of the attacks, the Senator lauded the proactive response of the Ozoro community and local security apparatus. He specifically praised the President General of Ozoro, the local vigilante groups, and the Nigeria Police Force for their swift intervention in rescuing victims and preventing further chaos. According to the Senator, the collaboration between indigenous residents and formal law enforcement was instrumental in restoring order to the headquarters of the Isoko North Local Government Area.