OKPARA INLAND, DELTA STATE — 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.
The police commissioner gave the directive during a visit to the community on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, to assess the affected locations and engage community leaders on measures to restore peace and prevent further violence.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, preliminary investigations indicated that on October 12, 2026, individuals belonging to an unidentified security outfit allegedly conducted a drug raid in the community, during which the young man was reportedly shot. He later died while receiving treatment.
The incident was followed by attacks on community leaders and the destruction of property by suspected hoodlums who allegedly took advantage of the situation to unleash violence.
The residence of the community’s President-General was attacked, with two of his vehicles reportedly set ablaze and his house damaged. The residence of the Vice President-General was also attacked and destroyed.
The community town hall was vandalised, while two vehicles, including a motorcycle used for vigilante operations, were set ablaze.
In response to the violence, a combined team of police operatives from the Ughelli Area Command, Isiokolo Division and military personnel was deployed to restore law and order.
During his visit, Erale expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and condemned the violence that followed the fatal shooting.
He directed investigators to identify and arrest those responsible for the shooting and destruction of property. The commissioner also called on individuals 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.
Erale stressed that no grievance, regardless of its nature, justified taking the law into one’s hands, adding that the command would not tolerate violence, intimidation or the wanton destruction of property.
He urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and avoid reprisal attacks that could further escalate tensions in the community.
The police commissioner reaffirmed the Delta State Police Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and restoring lasting peace to Okpara Inland.
The statement was signed by SP Bright Edafe, Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, Asaba, on October 14, 2026.
