Untold Story Of How Police Invited Olu Of Warri Over ‘Controversial Okere-Warri Incident’ As Thugs Attack Indigenous Returnees

Palpable fear have gripped residents in Okere Community in Warri South local government area of Delta state as suspected thugs reportedly attacked and shot some indigenous people returning home after a recent crisis in the area.

Multiple sources disclosed that those targeted in the attack, which allegedly happened at about 6:pm Thursday, included Okere community leaders such as David Iwere and Philip Awani,.

The duo were among those arrested but granted bail Wednesday March 13 and others who fled the once peaceful community, after they were chased out Saturday March 2, by same group of suspected thugs, reportedly aided by security men, particularly soldiers.

One of the victims told newsmen that “There was shootout Thursday evening at Okere community in Warri, Delta state as thugs ordered by a monarch, attacked us.

Sources said that houses, cars and other property of those attacked, were not spared as thugs allegedly overpowered the few policemen maintaining peace and security in the community and unleashed terror, causing serious tension amongst residents of the Okere and environs.

Mr. David Iwere, who released a short statement Friday March 15, as a result of the latest onslaught, said the reason for the Thursday attack, was their support for Chief Ayirimi Emami, over his insistence on the edict as regards succession to the throne of Olu of Warri and the preservation of Itsekiri custom and tradition.

Iwere further alleged: “This people usually make use of one private radio in Warri to incite ignorant women and youths against some of us, standing with Chief Ayirimi Emami, by extension, the law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as it relates to succession of the throne of Warri Kingdom.

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“We will not succumb to the continued attacks, the Inspector – General of Police, should take note of the lawless and destruction being carried out by thugs acting on the behest of the Olu of Warri.”

Meanwhile, the police in Delta State have reportedly invited Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III over a petition bordering on alleged “attempted murder, assault occasioninng harm, malicious damage and conduct likely to cause breach of peace”.

BIGPEN NIGERIA (https://bigpenngr.com) reports that the invitation was sequel to a petition dated 11th of March, 2024.

The letter was signed by Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Abubakar, Warri Area Command headquarters of the Nigerian Police Force, Warri, Delta state.

It was not clear as of press time if the paramount ruler honoured the invitation but the letter was received by the palace administrator on behalf of the monarch.

ACP Abubakar, in the letter explained; “This office is investigating the aforementioned case reported at the Area Command Headquarters, Warri, sequel to a petition dated 11th of March, 2024”.

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The ACP wrote; “With due respect your Majesty, it is requested with high esteem for you to have a meeting with the Area Commander on Wednesday 13th of day of March, 2024.

Dependable sources said that the invitation was far unconnected to the reported crisis in Okere-Warri where it was alleged that some persons were shoot dead.

When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Edafe Bright, declined to comment about the reported shooting saying; “this is not to my knowledge”.

On whether Olu of Warri was invited by the Police Area Command over the reported petition bordering on alleged attempted murder and conduct likely to cause breach of peace, the police spokesman said; “But if there is a petition written to the command, the command is duty bound to Investigate”.

“What I am trying to say is that because you made reference to the invitation letter; I now said if there is petition to the police, no matter who is involved we are duty bound to investigate but the content of the petition I don’t have it and for that incident I don’t have information whether it happened or not. I remembered that at the earlier stage when Journalists were calling me I debunked it that I was not aware but I will start speaking to them”.

He, however promised to dig deeper into the incident and revert back with additional information as at the time of filling this report.

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