By Ebinum Samuel
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, has visited Okpara Inland Community in Ethiope East Local Government Area following the reported killing of a young man popularly known as Don Cross and the subsequent attacks on community leaders and destruction of property. During the visit, the CP conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the affected locations and engaged community leaders on measures to restore peace and prevent further violence.
The spokesman for Delta Police, SP Edafe Bright, said preliminary investigation revealed that on 12th October 2026, some persons from a yet to be identified security outfit allegedly carried out a drug raid in the community, during which the victim was allegedly shot and later died while receiving treatment. Some miscreants subsequently took advantage of the incident to unleash violence on 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 attacked and destroyed. The miscreants also vandalised the community town hall and set two vehicles including a motorcycle used for vigilante operations ablaze. In response, a combined team of police operatives from Ughelli Area Command, Isiokolo Division and military personnel were deployed to restore law and order.
Erale expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and condemned the ensuing violence. He has therefore ordered a thorough investigation into the fatal shooting and destruction of properties, with a directive to identify and arrest those responsible. The CP specifically called on all persons involved in the attacks to voluntarily present themselves for investigation, warning that anyone who fails to comply would be tracked down, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The police chief 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 reprisals attacks, while reaffirming the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and the restoring lasting peace to Okpara Inland.
