The Delta State Police Command has launched an investigation into the fatal shooting of a young man in Okpara Inland and subsequent attacks in which the homes of community leaders and several vehicles were set ablaze.
The incident reportedly occurred on October 12, 2026, following a drug raid allegedly carried out by members of an unidentified security outfit in the community, located in Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, saying the Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, had visited the community and ordered a thorough investigation into the shooting and the destruction of property.
According to the police, preliminary findings indicated that the victim, popularly known as Don Cross, was allegedly shot during the raid and later died while receiving treatment.
The incident was followed by attacks on community leaders and public property, with suspected hoodlums allegedly setting two vehicles belonging to the President-General of the community ablaze and damaging his residence.
The residence of the Vice-President-General was also reportedly attacked and destroyed.
The police added that the attackers vandalised the community town hall and set two other vehicles, including a motorcycle used for vigilante operations, ablaze.
A combined team of police operatives from the Ughelli Area Command, Isiokolo Division and military personnel was subsequently deployed to restore order and prevent further violence.
During his visit, Erale assessed the affected locations and held discussions with community leaders on measures to restore peace.
The commissioner condemned the violence and expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, while directing investigators to identify and arrest those responsible for the shooting and subsequent attacks.
He also called on anyone involved in the violence to voluntarily present themselves for investigation, warning that those who failed to do so would be tracked down and prosecuted.
Erale cautioned residents against taking the law into their own hands, stressing that grievances could not justify violence, intimidation or the destruction of property.
He urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and avoid retaliatory attacks as investigations continue.
