A security operation in Emede community, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, escalated into violence over the weekend, leaving several persons injured and numerous houses; including a hotel and residential buildings, destroyed by fire.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
– Joint security operatives under Operation Delta Sweep stormed Emede community in search of an alleged drug kingpin
– Confrontation erupted at a hotel where a birthday celebration was underway
– Youths resisted phone searches by operatives, triggering a violent clash
– Several houses and a hotel were set ablaze in the aftermath
– One security operative was reportedly attacked by a mob; some youths sustained injuries
– Isoko South LGA Chairman Hon. Warri Ovoke Friday imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew (6 p.m.–6 a.m.)
– Traditional ruler of Emede, HRM Johnson Egbo, Ewhiri II, and stakeholders visited affected areas
The incident reportedly began when a joint security task force operating under Operation Delta Sweep — comprising personnel of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies — stormed the Emede community in search of an alleged drug kingpin.
According to sources, security operatives raided a hotel where a birthday celebration was taking place after failing to locate their target. The operatives allegedly conducted searches on guests and demanded access to their mobile phones.
Witnesses said some youths resisted the phone searches, leading to a heated confrontation that quickly degenerated into chaos.
“The people were celebrating a birthday when the security team arrived. They searched everyone and asked for their phones. Some of the youths objected, and the situation became tense,” a source disclosed.
The confrontation reportedly intensified as more residents of Emede community gathered at the scene. Security operatives allegedly fired warning shots in an attempt to disperse the crowd.
Some youths were said to have sustained injuries during the ensuing scuffle, while one security operative was reportedly attacked by an angry mob before being rescued.
Sources further claimed that the security team later returned to the Emede community with reinforcements. In the aftermath, the operation allegedly resulted in widespread destruction, with the hotel at the centre of the incident and several residential buildings set ablaze.
Efforts to obtain an official response from the Delta State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area, Hon. Warri Ovoke Friday, has called for calm and reassured residents of the government’s commitment to restoring peace in Emede community.
The council chairman, alongside the traditional ruler of Emede, His Royal Majesty Johnson Egbo, Ewhiri II, security officials, and other stakeholders, visited the affected areas to assess the damage, sympathise with victims, and engage community leaders on measures to prevent further unrest.
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Hon. Warri stated that authorities are closely monitoring developments and working with relevant agencies to ensure lasting peace and security in Emede community.
As part of efforts to maintain order, the Isoko South Local Government chairman had earlier imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew, restricting movement of persons and vehicles in Emede between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
He assured residents that normalcy is gradually returning and urged members of the Emede community to remain law-abiding while authorities continue investigations into the incident.
