The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has assured residents that individuals found culpable in recent acts of arson and other grievous crimes resulting from the recent delineation of Warri Federal Constituency would be brought to justice.
CP Abaniwonda made this known during the Command’s first quarterly press briefing of 2025, held in Asaba on Wednesday, urging all aggrieved parties to seek legal redress than result to violence.
Recalled that there has been palpable tension in Warri Federal Constituency over the recent delineation exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
The situation reached a worrying point on Sunday night of 13th April, 2025, following the invasion of Iyara Community in Warri South by unidentified armed youths. The attackers, armed with guns and machetes, razed a building and injured several residents. Commercial tricycles were left bullet-riddled, and walls scarred with bullet holes.
While no group has claimed responsibility, many suspect the attack is linked to the contentious delineation, with rumors suggesting it was a reaction to the new ward allocations.
The Delta Police boss while fielding questions from journalists on the issue stressed that the recent unrests are largely cultism-driven, with rival groups engaging in retaliatory attacks and property destruction. “Each time we meet, we have talked about cultism. The problem is cult-related. These groups keep counting scores, and that is what is happening,” Abaniwonda said.
He also urged parties in communal disputes to pursue peaceful and legal means of redress. “We have advised them that they should go to court. If you have any issue, you can seek redress in court,” he advised.
The Police Commissioner noted that the violent outbreaks have led to significant tension and destruction in affected communities. However, he assured the public that no act of arson or violence will go unpunished.
“We are investigating, and I can assure Deltans that whoever is found wanting to have committed arson or any other grievous crime the person will be brought to justice,” he stated firmly.
Abaniwonda added that while investigations are ongoing, it would be prejudicial to speculate outcomes. Nonetheless, he affirmed that the cries of victims have been heard, and the police are working diligently to ensure that justice is served.
While reviewing the Command’s performance for the first quarter, he addressed a range of pressing security concerns, including the upsurge in communal violence in the state especially with reference to the Ewu, and Edjekota crisis in Ughelli North and South.
In addressing the root causes of these communal clashes, the CP stressed the importance of community engagement. He revealed that the Command has reached out to local government leaders and traditional chiefs to collaborate in identifying and curbing the activities of the cultists, many of whom reside within these communities.
Meanwhile the CP disclosed that the Command has recorded significant achievements in the fight against crime in the first quarter of 2025, arresting over 67 suspects involved in various offenses and recovering a substantial cache of arms and ammunitions.
“In the first quarter of this year alone, the Command arrested over 67 suspects involving various crimes, which includes 35 suspected armed robbers, 24 suspected kidnappers, 5 murder suspects, 22 suspected courtiers, and 4 suspects arrested for rape and defilement offenses,” CP Abaniwonda stated.
The Commissioner further disclosed that a total of 13 kidnapped victims were rescued during the period under review. He also revealed the recovery of 53 firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition.
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“We recovered a total of 53 firearms, which includes 11 AK-47 rifles, 9 Beretta pistols, 19 single-barrel locally-made quarter-size guns, and 13 pump-action guns,” he said. “Lastly, a total of 5,620.12 rounds of ammunition cartridges were also recovered.”
While commending the joint efforts of stakeholders, CP Abaniwonda expressed gratitude to the state government, sister security agencies, and residents for their unwavering support.
“I want to use this opportunity to appreciate the Delta State government, other sister security agencies, and the good people of Delta State for their continuous support to the Delta State Police Command,” he said.
Reiterating the importance of community involvement in security, he added, “Security, again, as we always emphasize, is everybody’s business, and the police in Delta State would not have recorded this achievement without support and partnership.”
CP Abaniwonda urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. “I, therefore, solicit continuous support and partnership with the Command because together we can keep Delta State safe for all,” he said.
He called for action and patriotism, saying, “I leave you with this quote: If you see something, say something, and let’s do something together. Delta State has urged to report any suspicious persons or movements within their environment, either by reporting at the nearest police station or call any of our known numbers that we have always circulated. And God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria, God bless Delta State, and God bless the Nigerian Police Force.
“We will continue to live up to the promise of our IGP, to ensure that businesses thrive and that people can go about their lawful activities,” Abaniwonda concluded
