Delta CP orders probe into fatal shooting in Okpara community

The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, has ordered a thorough investigation into the fatal shooting and destruction of properties on Monday in Okpara Inland community of Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state, with a directive to identify and arrest those responsible.

The Nigerian Tribune reports that some persons from a yet-to-be-identified security outfit had allegedly carried out a drug raid in the community, during which a young man popularly known as Don Cross was allegedly shot and later died while receiving treatment.

Subsequently, some miscreants took advantage of the incident to unleash violence on the community leaders and destroy their properties.

The hoodlums attacked the residence of the President-General of the community, set two of his vehicles ablaze and damaged his house.

The residence of the Vice President-General was equally destroyed, even as the community town hall was vandalised and two vehicles, including a motorcycle used for vigilante operations, were set ablaze.

However, a combined team of police operatives from Ughelli Area Command, Isiokolo Division and military personnel was deployed to restore law and order.

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CP Erale, who conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the affected locations, where he engaged community leaders on measures to restore peace and prevent further violence on Wednesday, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and condemned the ensuing violence.

He specifically called on all persons involved in the attacks to voluntarily present themselves for investigation, warning that anyone who failed to comply would be tracked down, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The police boss further warned that no grievance, however legitimate, justifies taking the law into one’s hands, stressing that the command would not tolerate violence, intimidation or wanton destruction of property.

He urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and refrain from reprisal attacks, while reaffirming the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and restoring lasting peace to Okpara Inland.