One person has been killed and five others injured after suspected hoodlums disrupted a political rally organised by supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Asaba, Delta State.
Gatekeepers News reports that the incident occurred on Saturday, November 7, along Nnebisi Road during a procession organised by the Obidient/OK Movement in support of the party’s presidential candidate.
The Delta State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe.
According to the police, the command had received intelligence indicating the possibility of violence ahead of the rally and consequently invited the organisers to a security meeting.
The police said the organisers were briefed on the security threats and advised against holding an open-road procession. They were instead encouraged to conduct their activities at a designated venue where adequate security could be provided.
However, the command said the organisers disregarded the advice and proceeded with the procession.
It added that officers were deployed after receiving a distress call at about 12:15 p.m., while the injured victims were evacuated to a hospital for medical attention.
The identities of the deceased and injured persons had yet to be established as investigations commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.
Meanwhile, NDC condemned the attack, describing it as a premeditated assault on its supporters during what it called a peaceful One Million Man March.
In a statement, the party alleged that armed hoodlums wielding sticks, knives and machetes attacked participants, vandalising several campaign vehicles and leaving some supporters with injuries.
The party said some of the injured victims were receiving treatment at hospitals across the state.
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.
NDC also urged its supporters to remain calm and avoid retaliation, insisting that its response would be through the ballot box.
Reacting to the development, Delta State Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, condemned the violence and urged political parties to avoid road processions and notify the police ahead of political gatherings to ensure adequate security.
