Residents flee, houses burned as soldiers, police clash with Delta community youths

Violence erupted in the community of Emede, Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State as members of the joint military and police operation in the community met violent resistance, causing several casualties, including injuries and destruction of property such as burning of houses.

It has been gathered that the joint forces comprising soldiers and policemen were deployed as part of a military operation called “Operation Delta Sweep”, which aims to arrest an alleged drug lord but faced violent resistance in the process.

Apparently, sources indicated that the joint forces raided a hotel in search for their target and found themselves face-to-face with guests and youths celebrating.

Sources said; “The people were having a birthday party at the hotel when suddenly the security team stormed the place. They subjected everyone to a search and demanded that they drop their phone for search too.

“Some of the youths tried to resist the search of their phones at the hotel resulting to a shouting match. Soon the place became chaotic and there was serious resistance against the security team who fire multiple gun shots to desperse the surging crowd.

“While some youth sustained injured during the scuffles, one particular security personnel was unlucky as mobs who had gathered in large number descended on him before he was rescued.

Sensing danger following the overwhelming numbers of mobs who had gathered at the scene, the security team reportedly beat a retreat and went for reenforcement.

Irked by the development, the security team reportedly invaded the community at night unleashing mayhem on the community and in the process razed down the hotel and several other residential houses.

Efforts to get comment from the Police Public Officer, SP Bright Edafe proved abortive as of press time.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area in Delta State, Hon.(Comrade) Warri Ovoke Friday, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring peace in the wake of recent violent confrontations involving youths and security agencies in Emede.

During visits to the affected areas where properties were destroyed, Warri assured residents of lasting peace and urged them to remain calm.

The council chief, accompanied by the traditional ruler of the kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Johnson Egbo, Ewhiri II, Security agencies among others visited the affected areas to assess the security situation, offer sympathies to impacted families, and engage with community leaders and stakeholders on strategies for achieving lasting peace.

The chairman had earlier imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Emede town, restricting movement of humans and vehicles outside homes between the hours of 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM.

Warri assured residents and the general public that Emede remains calm and peaceful, with the government closely monitoring all activities to ensure lasting peace.