The Divisional Police Officer of the “B” Division in Warri, Delta State, and his men have arrested two suspects in connection with the burning of a section of the Okere-Urhobo Youth Movement Secretariat in Okere-Urhobo Community.

A police source, who craved anonymity, disclosed this to our correspondent in Warri.

Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the report in a WhatsApp message sent to our correspondent. The message read, “Confirmed.”

The suspects are currently cooling their heels at the State Command in Asaba, DAILY POST has learned.

Hoodlums had, on Thursday night, set a building housing the Okere-Urhobo Youth Secretariat on fire.

The incident caused serious tension in the community, as a section of the building was destroyed by the fire.

It was gathered that the crisis is connected to a directive issued by the Orosuen of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom, HRM Ogheneochuko Morrison Eyekpimi Egboboye, Owhotemu II, and the Delta State Police Command, suspending all traditional festivals pending the resolution of lingering disputes.

In a chat with newsmen in Warri, the Youth President of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom, Comrade Eboh Okpako Elvis, expressed dismay over the incident, describing it as an attempt to undermine peace efforts in the community.

“I woke up this morning to several missed calls. When I returned the calls, I was informed that a section of our secretariat, including my office, had been burnt down.

“This is a result of some individuals trying to forcefully conduct traditional activities without the approval of His Royal Majesty and the Delta State Police Command.”

Comrade Eboh explained that the Deputy Commissioner of Police in Asaba had directed that both the youth election and the festival be put on hold to maintain peace in the community.

“The instruction was clear: no election, no festival. We agreed to it in good faith. However, the other group refused to obey and continued with preparations, distributing invitation cards and printing materials.”

He added that despite a peace meeting convened by the Area Commander on January 2, where both parties signed an undertaking to maintain peace, some individuals still went ahead to mobilize thugs, leading to the burning of the secretariat.

“They burnt down my office and other parts of the secretariat. I’ve been urging our youths to remain calm and law-abiding. We call on the police, the Delta State Government, and the local government chairman to investigate this incident and bring those responsible to justice.”

Eboh also expressed fears of further attacks, noting that a banner featuring the image of the Orosuen was recently vandalized.

“Last week, someone defaced a banner with HRM’s image during the Christmas celebration. Today, they’ve burnt down the secretariat. Who knows what their next target is? It could be the palace or even people’s lives.”

A councillor and former youth president of the movement, who visited the scene, condemned the attack and called for peace.

“This community belongs to all of us. We must give peace a chance and stop destroying what our forefathers built,” he said.

Similarly, the Oghuvwie of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom condemned the arson, describing it as a deliberate act of sabotage aimed at destabilizing the kingdom.

“No normal human being would commit such an act, especially during a festive period. I urge the youths to embrace peace and work together to maintain unity in the kingdom.”

The traditional leader warned the perpetrators to desist from further violence, calling for calm amidst heightened security presence in the community.

“I have advised the youths to unite for peace. With security agencies like the police and army present, we must avoid any further breakdown of law and order,” he cautioned.

The community is now appealing to authorities to intervene swiftly to prevent further escalation of the crisis.

Police arrest two suspects over burning of Delta community youth’s secretariat