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Okpara Inland Crisis: Delta CP Visits Community Over Killing Of Don Cross, Orders Investigation
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, has visited Okpara Inland Community in Ethiope East Local Government Area over the fatal shooting of a young man identified as Don Cross and subsequent attacks on community leaders.
CP Erale, who visited the community on Wednesday, conducted an on-the-spot assessment of affected locations and met with community leaders on measures to restore peace.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, in a statement on October 14, 2026, said preliminary investigation revealed that on October 12, 2026, some persons from a yet-to-be-identified security outfit allegedly carried out a drug raid in the community, during which Don Cross was allegedly shot. He later died while receiving treatment.
Edafe said miscreants subsequently took advantage of the incident to unleash violence on community leaders and destroy property.
According to him, 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 also attacked and destroyed.
He said 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.
The Commissioner of Police expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and condemned the ensuing violence.
He ordered a thorough investigation into the fatal shooting and destruction of property, with a directive to identify and arrest those responsible.
CP Erale 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.
He 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 reprisal attacks, while reaffirming the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and restoring lasting peace to Okpara Inland.