A security operation targeting an alleged drug kingpin in Emede Community, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, reportedly degenerated into violence over the weekend, leaving several persons injured and numerous properties destroyed.
Residents told NewsNet Nigeria that operatives attached to Operation Delta Sweep, a joint security task force comprising personnel of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, stormed a hotel within the community during a birthday celebration while searching for a suspected drug dealer.
According to eyewitness accounts, the operatives subjected guests at the event to searches and allegedly demanded access to their mobile phones.
The situation reportedly became tense when some youths resisted the request, leading to a confrontation between partygoers and security personnel.
Sources within the community said the disagreement quickly escalated, attracting a large crowd to the scene.
During the ensuing confusion, several persons reportedly sustained injuries, while one security operative was allegedly attacked by angry youths before being rescued.
“The people were celebrating a birthday when security personnel arrived. They searched everyone and requested their phones. Some youths objected, and the situation soon got out of hand,” a resident who spoke on condition of anonymity said.
Residents further alleged that security operatives later returned to the community with reinforcements.
In the aftermath of the operation, a hotel linked to the incident and several residential buildings were reportedly destroyed by fire, leaving many families counting their losses.
Efforts to obtain official comments from the spokesperson of the Delta State Police Command, SP Bright Edafe, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area, Hon. (Comr.) Warri Ovoke Friday, has assured residents that authorities are taking steps to restore peace and normalcy in the community.
The council chairman, accompanied by the traditional ruler of Emede Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Johnson Egbo, Ewhiri II, security officials and other stakeholders, visited affected areas to assess the extent of the damage and sympathise with victims.
Speaking during the visit, Ovoke urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring them that government and security agencies were working closely to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
He noted that a dusk-to-dawn curfew earlier imposed on the community remains part of efforts to maintain peace and security while investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The local government chairman expressed optimism that normalcy would soon return to the area and called on residents to cooperate with security agencies as authorities seek lasting solutions to the crisis.
