The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale, has ordered a thorough investigation into the fatal shooting of a young man popularly known as Don Cross and subsequent attacks on community leaders and destruction of property in Okpara Inland, Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state.
Erale gave the directive during a visit to the community following the October 12 incident, which reportedly triggered violence and attacks on the properties of community leaders.
A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, made available to journalists in Warri on Thursday, said preliminary investigations indicated that some individuals from an unidentified security outfit allegedly conducted a drug raid in the community, during which the victim was shot.
The victim later died while receiving treatment, the statement added.
It said some miscreants subsequently exploited the incident to unleash violence on community leaders and destroy property.
According to the statement, the attackers set two vehicles ablaze and damaged the residence of the community’s President-General.
The residence of the Vice President-General was also attacked and destroyed.
The hoodlums further vandalised the community town hall and set ablaze two vehicles, including a motorcycle used for vigilante operations.
During his visit, Erale conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the affected locations and engaged community leaders on measures to restore peace and prevent further violence.
The statement said a combined team of police operatives from the Ughelli Area Command, Isiokolo Division and military personnel had been deployed to restore law and order.
The commissioner expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and condemned the ensuing violence.
He directed investigators to identify and arrest those responsible for the fatal shooting and destruction of property.
The CP also urged those involved in the attacks to voluntarily present themselves for investigation, warning that anyone who failed to do so would be tracked down, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He stressed that no grievance, however legitimate, justified taking the law into one’s hands, adding that the command would not tolerate violence, intimidation or wanton destruction of property.
Erale urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and refrain from reprisals, reaffirming the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and restoring lasting peace to Okpara Inland.