One killed, five injured at Delta rally, Obi demands probe

Delta State Police Command. Photo: Police

The Delta State Police Command has commenced an investigation into a clash at a political rally in Asaba, which left one person dead and five others injured.

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 the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

In a statement signed by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, on Saturday, the police said they had received intelligence suggesting a likelihood of violence before the rally and invited the organisers to a security meeting.

The command said, “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.”

It, however, said the organisers ignored the advice and went ahead with the procession.

Explaining the casualties, the police said, “At about 12:15 pm today, a violent incident occurred along Nnebisi Road, Asaba, resulting in the death of one person, while five others sustained varying degrees of injuries. The identities of the victims are yet to be ascertained.”

The command added that its operatives mobilised to the scene after receiving a distress call and took the injured victims to the hospital.

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It said security had also been reinforced in the area, while investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.

Reacting to the violence, Obi said he was “profoundly saddened and deeply disturbed” by reports of attacks on members and coordinators of the NDC and the Obidient Movement in Delta State.

In a statement, the former Anambra State governor condemned the attacks, saying, “Political violence has no place in a democracy and can never be justified. No political aspiration is worth the life of a Nigerian.”

He called on the government and security agencies to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation, identify those responsible and ensure they faced justice, irrespective of their political affiliations.

The command said its investigation would establish the circumstances of the clash and identify those involved.