The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel E. 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.
The commissioner gave the directive during an on-the-spot assessment of the affected community following the incident, which reportedly occurred on October 12, 2026.
Preliminary police investigations revealed that some unidentified persons operating under a yet-to-be-identified security outfit allegedly conducted a drug raid in the community, during which Don Cross was reportedly shot. He later died while receiving treatment.
The incident was followed by attacks on community leaders and the destruction of properties by suspected hoodlums who allegedly took advantage of the situation to unleash violence.
According to the police, 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 two other vehicles, including a motorcycle used for vigilante operations, on fire.
To contain the situation, a combined team of police operatives from the Ughelli Area Command, Isiokolo Division and military personnel was deployed to the community to restore law and order.
During his visit, CP Erale sympathised with the family of the deceased and condemned the violence, directing investigators to identify and arrest all those responsible for the fatal shooting and subsequent destruction of property.
He also urged individuals 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.
The police commissioner stressed that no grievance, regardless of its legitimacy, justified taking the law into one's hands, adding that the Command would not tolerate violence, intimidation or the wanton destruction of property.
He appealed to residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and refrain from retaliatory attacks that could further escalate tensions in the community.
Erale reaffirmed the Delta State Police Command's commitment to protecting lives and property, bringing perpetrators to justice and restoring lasting peace to Okpara Inland.
