Delta Police Investigate Shooting and Community Attacks

The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale, has ordered an investigation into the shooting death of a young man known as Don Cross. This order comes after attacks on community leaders and destruction of property in Okpara Inland, Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state.

Erale gave this directive during a visit to the area following the incident on October 12. This event sparked violence and attacks on the properties of community leaders.

A statement from the Police Public Relations Officer was shared with journalists in Warri on Thursday. It mentioned that early investigations showed that some people from an unknown security outfit were conducting a drug raid in the community. During this raid, the young man was shot.

The statement added that the victim later died while getting treatment.

After the shooting, some troublemakers took advantage of the situation to attack community leaders and destroy property. The statement said that the attackers set two vehicles on fire and damaged the house of the community’s President-General.

The Vice President-General’s house was also attacked and destroyed. The hoodlums vandalized the community town hall and burned two vehicles, including a motorcycle used for vigilante work.

During his visit, Erale checked the affected areas and spoke with community leaders about ways to restore peace and stop further violence.

The statement said that a team of police officers from the Ughelli Area Command, Isiokolo Division, and military personnel have been sent to bring back law and order.

The commissioner expressed his sympathy to the family of the deceased and condemned the violence that followed. He instructed investigators to find and arrest those responsible for the shooting and the damage.

CP Erale also called on those who took part in the attacks to come forward for investigation. He warned that anyone who does not do so will be tracked down, arrested, and prosecuted according to the law.

He emphasized that no matter the reason, taking the law into one’s hands is not acceptable. He added that the command would not allow violence, intimidation, or destruction of property.

Erale urged residents to stay calm, work with security agencies, and avoid retaliating. He reassured everyone that the command is committed to protecting lives and property and restoring lasting peace to Okpara Inland.