The Delta State Police Command has ordered a probe into the killing of a young man known as Don Cross and subsequent attacks on community leaders and property in Okpara Inland, Ethiope East Local Government Area.
The Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, gave the directive during a visit to the community following the October 12 incident, which reportedly led to violence and attacks on the homes of community leaders.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, preliminary investigations indicated that members of an unidentified security outfit allegedly carried out a drug raid in the community, during which Don Cross was shot.
The victim later died while receiving treatment, the statement said.
It added that some people allegedly took advantage of the incident to attack community leaders and destroy property.
The statement said the attackers set two vehicles ablaze and damaged the residence of the community’s President-General. The home of the Vice President-General was also attacked and destroyed.
The community town hall was vandalised, while a motorcycle used for vigilante operations was also set ablaze.
During his visit, Erale inspected the affected locations and met with community leaders to discuss measures to restore peace and prevent further violence.
The police commissioner ordered investigators to identify and arrest those responsible for the shooting and the subsequent destruction of property.
He also urged those involved in the attacks to report themselves for investigation, warning that anyone who failed to do so would be tracked down, arrested and prosecuted.
Erale condemned the violence and expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, stressing that no grievance justified taking the law into one’s hands.
He said the command would not tolerate violence, intimidation or the destruction of property, while urging residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and avoid reprisals.
The statement added that a joint team of police officers from the Ughelli Area Command and Isiokolo Division, alongside military personnel, had been deployed to restore order.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and restoring lasting peace in Okpara Inland.
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