NDC rally: Delta faults organisers over violence

File: Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori.

The Delta State Government has blamed organisers of a political procession in Asaba on Saturday for a violent clash that left one person dead and several others injured, saying they ignored police advice to hold the rally at a designated venue.

The government and the police condemned the incident involving supporters of the Obidient/OK Movement, which was campaigning for the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi and warned political parties against activities capable of threatening public peace ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, stated the government’s position in a statement on Sunday, while the Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale, urged political parties and their supporters to avoid road processions and notify the police ahead of political gatherings.

Aniagwu said the police had advised the organisers to cancel the proposed street march and hold their campaign at a designated venue where adequate security arrangements could be provided.

He expressed concern that the advice was ignored, resulting in a confrontation that claimed one life and left four others seriously injured.

The commissioner described the incident as unacceptable, saying the state government maintained a zero-tolerance policy towards political violence, intimidation and other forms of political rascality.

He called on the police to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that anyone found responsible was prosecuted.

Aniagwu also warned that the government would not tolerate politically motivated attacks against anyone, regardless of political affiliation, urging political parties, their leaders and supporters to conduct their activities within the law and respect the rights and lives of other citizens.

He added that Delta remained safe for residents and visitors, assuring that the government would not allow the actions of individuals or groups to undermine peace in the state.

In its account of the incident, the Delta State Police Command said it had received intelligence suggesting the likelihood of violence before the rally and consequently invited the organisers to a security meeting.

The police spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, saying the organisers were briefed on the identified security threats and advised against holding an open road procession.

According to the command, the organisers were encouraged to conduct their political activities at a designated venue where adequate security could be provided but proceeded with the procession despite the warning.

The police said the violence occurred at about 12.15 pm along Nnebisi Road, Asaba, on Saturday.

It added that the identities of the victims had yet to be ascertained, while police operatives who responded to a distress call took the injured to hospital for medical attention.

The command said security was reinforced in the affected area to prevent further breakdown of law and order, adding that a full-scale investigation had commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.

Eralе condemned the violence but stressed that political parties remained free to conduct lawful campaigns and other political activities.

He, however, advised parties and their supporters to avoid road processions in the interest of public safety and liaise with the police before organising political gatherings to enable the command to make adequate security arrangements.

The commissioner assured residents of a thorough and impartial investigation, urging anyone with useful information to contact the command.

The government also urged political actors to prioritise peaceful campaigns and avoid actions capable of triggering further violence.