Tunji Disu, Inspector General of Police

By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

One person has been killed and five others injured following a violent clash at a political rally organised by supporters of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Asaba, Delta State. The incident occurred at about 12:15 pm on Saturday along Nnebisi Road during a procession organised by the Obedient/OK Movement in support of Obi, who is the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

The Delta State Police Command confirmed the casualties, disclosing that it had commenced an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the violence and identify those responsible. According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the command had earlier received intelligence reports indicating the possibility of violence during the procession. Consequently, the organisers were invited to a security meeting and advised against conducting an open road procession. They were instead encouraged to hold their political activities at an approved venue where adequate security arrangements could be provided.

The police alleged that the organisers proceeded with the procession despite the security advice. Following a distress call, police operatives were immediately deployed to the scene, where they evacuated the injured victims to a hospital for medical attention. The command also announced the reinforcement of security personnel in the affected area, assuring residents that investigations were underway to determine the immediate cause of the clash and apprehend those involved.

Reacting to the incident, Obi expressed sadness and deep concern over reports of attacks on members and coordinators of the NDC and the Obidient Movement in Delta State. He condemned the violence, insisting that political disagreements should never degenerate into attacks, injuries or loss of lives. He maintained that violence has no place in a democratic society and that no political ambition is worth the life of any Nigerian.

Obi consequently called on the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to conduct an immediate, thorough and impartial investigation, identify the perpetrators and ensure that they are brought to justice regardless of their political affiliations. The Delta Police Command reiterated its commitment to uncovering the circumstances surrounding the incident, while the identities of the deceased and injured victims had yet to be officially established as of the time of reporting.