Warri: The Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area, Hon. Comr. Warri Ovoke Friday, has appealed for calm following a violent confrontation between security operatives and youths in Emede community, which reportedly left several persons injured and property worth millions of naira destroyed.
The incident was said to have occurred over the weekend when a joint security team operating under the Operation Delta Sweep initiative stormed the community in search of an alleged drug kingpin.
Sources said the security operatives, comprising personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, raided a hotel where they suspected their target was hiding.
However, on arrival, the operatives reportedly met some youths and guests who were celebrating a birthday party at the hotel.
According to eyewitnesses, tension escalated after the security operatives allegedly demanded access to the mobile phones of those present for inspection. Some of the youths were said to have resisted the request, leading to a heated argument that quickly degenerated into a confrontation.
The situation reportedly became chaotic as security personnel fired warning shots to disperse the crowd. Several youths were said to have sustained injuries during the clash, while one security operative was allegedly attacked by an angry mob before being rescued by his colleagues.
Following the confrontation, the security team reportedly withdrew from the scene and later returned with reinforcement.
Residents alleged that the operatives subsequently carried out a retaliatory operation in the community at night, during which the hotel and several residential buildings were set ablaze.
Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the Delta State Police Command through its spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
In response to the crisis, Hon. Warri Ovoke Friday, accompanied by the traditional ruler of Emede Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Johnson Egbo, Ewhiri II, security officials and other stakeholders, visited the affected areas to assess the level of destruction and sympathise with victims.
The council chairman reiterated the commitment of the local government to restoring peace and normalcy in the community, assuring residents that proactive measures were being taken to prevent a recurrence.
He urged residents to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security agencies, stressing that Emede remained a peaceful community despite the unfortunate incident.
As part of efforts to maintain order, the chairman had earlier imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on the community, restricting the movement of persons and vehicles between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Hon. Ovoke assured residents that the local government and relevant authorities would continue to monitor developments closely to ensure lasting peace and security in the area.
