One person has been killed and five others injured after suspected thugs attacked a political rally organised by supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Asaba, Delta State.
The Delta State Police Command said the incident happened on Saturday along Nnebisi Road during a procession organised by the Obidient/OK Movement in support of the party’s presidential candidate.
In a statement released on Saturday, the police spokesperson, Bright Edafe, said the command had launched an investigation to determine what led to the violence and identify those involved.
According to the police, intelligence reports had indicated a possible outbreak of violence ahead of the rally, prompting the command to invite the organisers to a security meeting.
“Prior to the rally, the Command received an intelligence report indicating the likelihood of violence and consequently invited the organisers to a security meeting,” the statement reads.
“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.”
The command said officers were deployed after receiving a distress call at about 12.15pm. It added that the injured victims were taken to hospital for treatment.
Police said the identities of those affected had yet to be established.
The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, condemned the violence and advised political parties and their supporters to avoid road processions and consult the police before organising political gatherings.
NDC alleges attack by armed hoodlums
The NDC condemned the incident, describing it as a planned attack on its supporters during what it called a peaceful “One Million Man March”.
In a statement signed by its media and publicity team, the party alleged that armed attackers carrying sticks, knives and machetes disrupted the procession.
“Dozens of our campaign vehicles were vandalised and destroyed. Several party faithful sustained varying degrees of injuries from knife and machete attacks and are currently receiving medical attention in hospitals across the state,” the statement reads.
“We pray for their speedy recovery and assure them that the party stands firmly with them. Let it be stated unequivocally: This was not a clash. This was not a misunderstanding. This was a premeditated, unprovoked and criminal assault on democracy itself.”
The party further alleged that several campaign vehicles were damaged and some of its supporters sustained injuries from knife and machete attacks.
It called on Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to investigate the incident, apprehend those responsible and ensure their prosecution.
The NDC also urged security agencies to protect political parties and their supporters against intimidation during campaign activities.
It appealed to its supporters to remain calm and refrain from retaliation, insisting that the party would respond through the ballot box.