By Ado Oyeyemi
The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, has ordered an investigation into the fatal shooting of a young man identified as Don Cross and subsequent attacks on community leaders and property in Okpara Inland, Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state.
The incident, which occurred on October 12, reportedly triggered violence in the community, with the residences of prominent leaders and public facilities coming under attack.
The Police Public Relations Officer, in a statement made available to journalists in Warri on Thursday, said preliminary findings suggested that personnel of an unidentified security outfit allegedly carried out a drug raid in the community, during which Don Cross was shot.
The victim reportedly died while receiving medical attention.
The statement added that some individuals later took advantage of the incident to attack community leaders and destroy property.
According to the police, the attackers set two vehicles ablaze, including a motorcycle used for vigilante operations, and vandalised the community town hall.
The residence of the community’s President-General was also damaged, while that of the Vice President-General was reportedly attacked and destroyed.
Eralе visited the community to assess the damage and meet with local leaders on efforts to restore peace and prevent further violence.
The command said a combined team of police officers from the Ughelli Area Command, Isiokolo Police Division and military personnel had been deployed to the area to restore order.
The commissioner expressed sympathy to the deceased’s family and condemned the attacks, directing investigators to identify and apprehend those responsible for the shooting and destruction of property.
He also urged those involved in the violence to surrender themselves for investigation, warning that anyone who failed to do so would be tracked down and prosecuted.
Eralе maintained that grievances did not justify resorting to violence, stressing that the command would not tolerate intimidation or the wanton destruction of property.
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He appealed to residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and avoid reprisals, assuring them that the police were committed to protecting lives and property and restoring lasting peace to the community.
