One killed, five injured as thugs attack NDC rally in Delta

Vera Simon, Asaba

One person has been killed and five others injured after suspected political thugs attacked supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) during a procession along Nnebisi Road in Asaba, Delta State.

The attackers, reportedly dressed in black and wearing masks, allegedly wielded dangerous weapons, assaulted participants and vandalised more than 30 vehicles, including campaign buses and tricycles.

According to CitizenDiary, the violence erupted on Saturday around the Kowen Plaza axis of Nnebisi Road, barely 20 minutes after the procession began, throwing the area into panic and disrupting traffic.

Although the organisers initially reported that at least 10 party members had been injured, the Delta State Police Command later confirmed one death and five injuries.

The NDC’s Delta North senatorial candidate, Victor Ochei, condemned the attack and called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

Speaking to journalists after the incident, Ochei said the procession was organised as a one-million-man march to demonstrate the party’s growing support and readiness to participate in the 2027 general elections.

The former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly said the organisers, comprising members of the Obidient Movement and OK Movement, had initially planned to converge at Interbau Roundabout beneath the flyover.

He explained that they changed the venue following an alleged intervention by the Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, and agreed to assemble outside his campaign office before proceeding through major roads in the state capital.

Ochei, however, said he received a distress call informing him that participants had been attacked while the procession was under way.

He alleged that the assailants destroyed more than 30 vehicles belonging to the campaign team and supporters, adding that the attack was sponsored by an individual he claimed was a member of the ruling party in the state.

Describing the incident as an attack on democratic participation, Ochei insisted that political disagreements should not be used to justify violence or intimidate opposition supporters.

He maintained that the NDC members were exercising their constitutional rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.

Dismissing suggestions that the violence resulted from an internal party disagreement, he insisted that the NDC was united and had no faction.

Ochei challenged political opponents to campaign on their achievements, projects and policy proposals rather than resorting to violence against supporters of other parties.

He also urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to ensure the safety of all residents, irrespective of their political affiliations, and called on the Inspector-General of Police and the state Commissioner of Police to investigate the incident and prosecute those found culpable.

“For the sake of peace, Delta State should not shed any blood. Get everybody involved in the attack to answer for it,” he said.

Earlier, the Delta State Coordinator of the Obidient and OK movements, Favour Emerure, alleged that suspected political thugs attacked the procession barely 15 to 20 minutes after it started.

Emerure said the rally was intended to demonstrate support for the NDC and allow members to express their political convictions peacefully.

He alleged that the attackers targeted participants at the rear of the procession, leaving several people injured and triggering panic.

He urged security agencies to identify and prosecute the perpetrators and strengthen security around political gatherings to prevent further attacks.

Delta Government, police order investigation

Meanwhile, the Delta State Government and the police have condemned the violence and ordered investigations into the circumstances surrounding the attack.

The government described the incident as unacceptable and warned political parties and their supporters against activities capable of threatening public peace and democratic participation.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, the government reiterated its opposition to political violence, intimidation and other forms of political misconduct.

Aniagwu said the police had advised the rally organisers against holding a street procession and urged them to conduct their activities at a designated venue where adequate security could be provided.

He expressed regret that the organisers allegedly ignored the advice, resulting in a confrontation that claimed a life and left others injured.

The government urged the police to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that anyone found responsible was brought to justice.

It also warned against politically motivated attacks, regardless of the victims’ party affiliations, and urged political leaders and their supporters to respect human life, public order and the rights of other citizens.

In its account, the Delta State Police Command said it had received intelligence suggesting a possible breakdown of law and order ahead of the procession.

The Command said the organisers were invited to a security meeting and advised against embarking on an open-road procession. Instead, they were encouraged to hold their rally at a designated location where adequate security could be provided.

However, the police alleged that the organisers ignored the advice and went ahead with the procession.

The Command said the violence occurred at about 12.15 pm, leaving one person dead and five others injured. It added that the victims’ identities had yet to be established.

Police operatives who responded to a distress call evacuated the injured to hospital, while additional security personnel were deployed to the area to prevent further violence.

The Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, condemned the attack and promised a thorough and impartial investigation.

He reaffirmed that political parties were free to organise lawful campaigns and activities but advised them to avoid road processions in the interest of public safety.

Erale also urged political organisations to notify the police ahead of rallies, demonstrations and other public gatherings to enable adequate security arrangements.

He assured residents that the Command would not tolerate acts capable of threatening public peace, irrespective of the political affiliations of those involved.