Violence erupts in Delta community as security forces clash with youths, houses burnt

From Joe Obukata Ogbodu, Warri

An envelope of violent over the weekend, encased Emede community in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State as security operatives clashed with  youths, resulting in multiple injuries and  destruction of several houses.

It was gathered that the confrontation erupted after a joint task force, comprising soldiers and police officers operating under the banner of “Operation Delta Sweep,” launched an operation targeting an alleged drug kingpin.

The operation however met resistance from the community’s youths leading to a chaotic scene that spiraled out of control.

Sources disclosed that the security team stormed a hotel in search of their suspect but couldn’t find him.

Instead of leaving they engaged guests and celebrants who were holding a birthday party at the hotel and in the ensuing confrontation tensions escalated when security personnel demanded access to guests’ phones and conducted searches, prompting the resistance.

Eyewitnesses recount that the situation quickly degenerated into violence, with youths shouting and resisting the security team’s orders.

The source said that security forces  in attempt to disperse surging mobs fired gun shots, leading to injuries among some residents.

In the ensuing melee, one security officer was reportedly attacked by a mob before being rescued by his colleagues, one source said.

Sensing danger amid the mounting mobs who had gathered, the security team withdrew temporarily but later returned with reinforcements.

Their return was marked by further violence, including the burning of a hotel and several nearby homes, leaving residents displaced and property destroyed.

Attempts to get official comments from the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

In the aftermath, the chairman of Isoko Sout local government area, Hon. Warri Ovoke, along with community leaders and security officials, visited the affected areas. He called for calm and reassured residents of the government’s commitment to restoring peace. Ovoke also imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew from 6 pm to 6 am to curtail further disturbances.

During his visit, Ovoke emphasized that peace remained a priority and assured residents that authorities are actively working to restore stability and prevent future conflicts. He was accompanied by the traditional ruler of Emede, His Royal Majesty, Johnson Egbo, Ewhiri II, and other stakeholders.