One person has been killed and five others injured after violence broke out during a Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) rally in Asaba, Delta State.
The incident occurred on Saturday, November 7, along Nnebisi Road, triggering accusations between the opposition party and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over responsibility for the attack.
The Delta State Police Command confirmed the death and injuries, saying it had launched an investigation to establish what happened and identify those responsible.
The police spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, said the rally was organised by the Obedient/OK Movement in support of the NDC presidential candidate.
According to him, the police had received intelligence suggesting that violence could occur during the event and invited the organisers to a security meeting.
Edafe said the organisers were warned about the security risks and advised against holding an open-road procession. The police reportedly recommended that the activities be moved to a designated venue where adequate security could be provided.
However, he alleged that the organisers ignored the advice and went ahead with the procession.
The police spokesperson said violence erupted around 12:15 p.m., leaving one person dead and five others injured. He added that the identities of the victims were yet to be established.
Police operatives were immediately deployed after receiving a distress call and evacuated the injured to hospital for treatment. Security presence was also reinforced in the area to prevent further violence.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale, condemned the incident, noting that political parties have the constitutional right to organise lawful campaigns but must ensure their activities do not threaten public safety.
He urged political parties and their supporters to avoid road processions and work with the police ahead of political gatherings.
Eralе assured residents that the investigation would be thorough and impartial. He also asked anyone with useful information to contact the Command through 09155570008 or 09155570007.
However, former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and NDC senatorial candidate for Delta North, Victor Ochei, accused members of the APC of being behind the attack.
Speaking to journalists at his campaign office in Asaba, Ochei described the incident as unacceptable and a threat to democratic participation.
He accused the ruling party of allegedly using intimidation against opposition members instead of presenting its achievements to voters.
“I see no reason why the ruling party should descend so low as to mobilise people to attack the opposition. This is condemnable and unacceptable.
“If you are doing well as a party, come out and tell the people what you have achieved to merit re-election instead of resorting to intimidation,” he said.
Ochei also called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to caution members of his party and prevent further political violence in the state.
“Delta State should not be turned into a theatre of bloodshed,” he warned.
The APC, however, rejected the allegations, insisting that there was no evidence linking its members to the attack.
The party’s Publicity Secretary in Delta State, Valentine Onojeghuo, described Ochei’s claims as reckless and politically motivated.
“There is no proof by Ochei or any NDC claimant that APC persons were involved in any attack,” he said.
Onojeghuo also alleged that the NDC was dealing with internal disagreements and accused the party of attempting to blame the APC for its problems.
He recalled that Governor Oborevwori had, during the inauguration of the APC campaign council, called for peaceful campaigns focused on issues rather than violence or confrontation.
The APC spokesman maintained that his party remained committed to peaceful political engagement and urged the NDC to resolve its internal disagreements and avoid making what he described as baseless allegations.
