Police have commenced a full-scale investigation into a violent incident involving supporters during a political rally organised by the Obedient-OK Movement in support of the presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC in Asaba on Saturday, November 7, which resulted in the death of one person , five others injured.
According to the police, prior to the rally, the Command received an intelligence report indicating the likelihood of violence and consequently invited the organisers to a security meeting.
During the engagement, they were briefed on the identified security threats and advised against holding an open road procession. They were further encouraged to conduct their political activities at a designated venue where appropriate security will be provided for them.
However, the organisers ignored this important security advice and proceeded with the road procession. Their actions resulted in violent incident that occurred along Nnebisi Road in Asaba, during which one person lost his life and five others sustained injuries, and their
identities yet to be ascertained.
Police operatives mobilised to the scene and took the injured victims to the hospital for medical attention.
Security was subsequently reinforced in the affected area to forestall further breakdown of law and order, while investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel E. Erale, in a statement condemns the violence and reiterates that political parties are free to conduct lawful campaigns and other political activities.
He, however, advises all political parties and their supporters to avoid road processions in the interest of public safety and to liaise with the Police ahead of any political gatherings to facilitate adequate security arrangements.
The CP assures residents of Delta State of the Command’s commitment to a thorough and impartial investigation and urge anyone with useful information to contact the Command.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Government has condemned the political violence that erupted in Asaba, the state capital, on Saturday, leaving one person dead and four others seriously injured.
The government described the incident as unacceptable, warning political parties and their supporters against actions capable of threatening public peace and security.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, the government reiterated its zero tolerance for political violence, intimidation and other forms of political rascality.
Aniagwu said the government had repeatedly cautioned political parties against engaging in activities capable of disrupting the peace, stressing that the unfortunate incident could have been avoided if the organisers had heeded security advice.
He explained that the police had advised the organisers to shelve the proposed street march and instead hold their campaign at a designated venue where adequate security arrangements could be provided.
The government expressed concern that the advice was ignored, resulting in a confrontation that claimed a life and left several others injured.
It called on the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that everyone found responsible is brought to justice.
Aniagwu further warned that the State Government would no longer tolerate politically motivated attacks against any individual, irrespective of party affiliation.
He stressed that Delta State remains a safe place for residents and visitors, adding that the government would not allow the actions of individuals or groups to undermine the peaceful atmosphere in the state.
The government urged political parties, their leaders and supporters to conduct their activities within the bounds of the law and demonstrate respect for human life, public order and the rights of other citizens.
(Follow AIT News on WhatsApp, AfricaIndependentTV on YouTube, ait_online on Facebook and X (Formerly Twitter), and officialait on TikTok, Instagram and Threads)
Editor: Terverr Tyav
