Killings, arson: Police take over Delta community

By EMMA AMAIZE

DELTA State Police Command has deployed anti-riot police officers in Uzere kingdom, Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State following a crisis in the community, which led to the killing of two persons and burning of numerous houses, at the weekend.

Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, who confirmed the deployment, said the police officers were deployed to restore order.

His words, “Teams have been dispatched to Uzere under Oleh to assist in quelling the lingering riotous situation.”

According to him, “Lack of respect for government recognized monarch is the reason for this development. It is a gang-up by suspects earlier on arraigned but were given bail by the court.

“They regrouped subsequently and the illegally crowned monarch who had already been declared wanted is the brain before the reprisal attack and manhunt is on for them. It is the same group that held the Deputy Governor hostage, last year”.

He also disclosed that police officers were drafted at the weekend to Umuaja in Ndokwa axis of the state dismantle a barricade mounted by youths,  who hid under a festival in the community to extort money from people.

Sunday Vanguard learnt that armed men loyal by one of the factions in the festering Uzere crisis, invaded the community, Friday.

Members of the group reportedly mobilized and traced the mercenaries to the home of one of their sponsors, which resulted in the death of one Omojolildolor, a security guard.

Uzere has been in turmoil for some years following a major disagreement over the community’s relationship with a multinational oil company operating in the area.