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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 occurred 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 issued on Saturday, Bright Edafe, police public relations officer in Delta, said the command had commenced an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.
The police said they had received intelligence indicating the likelihood of violence before the rally and invited 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 it received a distress call at about 12:15pm and deployed officers in the scene, adding that the injured victims were taken to hospital for treatment.
The police also stated that the identities of the victims were yet to be established.
Samuel Erale, Delta state commissioner of police, condemned the violence and urged political parties and their supporters to avoid road processions and liaise with the police ahead of political gatherings.
NDC ALLEGES ATTACK BY ARMED HOODLUMS
The NDC condemned the incident, describing it as a premeditated 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 hoodlums wielding 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 also claimed that several campaign vehicles were vandalised and that some supporters sustained knife and machete injuries.
The party called on Sheriff Oborevwori, Delta governor, the inspector-general of police and other security agencies to investigate the incident, arrest those responsible and prosecute them.
It also urged security agencies to protect political parties and their supporters from intimidation during campaigns.
The NDC asked its supporters to remain calm and avoid retaliation, saying its response would be through the ballot box.
