Police Deny Use Of Live Ammunition In Orerokpe Incident, Say Tear Gas Caused Injury

The Delta State Police Command has dismissed claims circulating on social media that its operatives fired live ammunition and shot a civilian in Oviore, Orerokpe, describing the reports as false and misleading.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Command clarified that no live rounds were discharged during the incident, which occurred on April 30, 2026, at about 7:00 p.m. within Okuodjedjere Community.

According to the police, a surveillance patrol team from the Orerokpe Division was on routine patrol when officers attempted to apprehend a suspected drug user. The situation reportedly escalated after some youths in the area resisted the arrest, creating tension.

To manage the situation and avoid further escalation, the officers deployed tear gas canisters as a crowd control measure. The Command stressed that the action was in line with standard procedures and that no live ammunition was used at any point.

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However, the police confirmed that one of the tear gas canisters accidentally struck a civilian on the leg, causing injury. The victim was immediately taken to a hospital and is currently receiving treatment.
The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, reiterated the Command’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, and the protection of human rights. He noted that while non-lethal measures are permitted under established guidelines, any misuse would be thoroughly addressed.
The police urged members of the public to disregard what they described as false narratives online and to rely on verified information from official channels.