Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has said he will petition the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, over an alleged attack, destruction of campaign materials and looting of shops in his community in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
Keyamo said the petition would seek a thorough investigation into the incident and the identification of anyone found to have participated in or enabled the alleged destruction.
According to The Sun newspaper report, the minister alleged that the incident occurred on Friday, September 18, when suspected opposition thugs allegedly invaded parts of the community and destroyed campaign materials bearing the image of President Bola Tinubu.
He further alleged that some shops were invaded and looted by persons carrying dangerous weapons, while claiming that some law-enforcement personnel were present during the incident.
Keyamo made the allegations in a post on his X handle, accompanying his account with a video which he said showed persons wearing Obi-Kwankwaso movement paraphernalia moving through the area and destroying property.
The minister also alleged that campaign materials mounted by the Tompolo’s Door-to-Door Campaign Organisation were among those destroyed during the reported disturbance.
He criticised what he described as the silence of sections of the media and human rights organisations over the incident, arguing that similar conduct against members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would have generated stronger reactions.
Keyamo also drew a comparison with the recent controversy surrounding the reported obstruction of Peter Obi’s entourage in Benue State, saying he had condemned that incident and believed the same standard should apply to alleged political violence irrespective of the party involved.
He said the evidence contained in the video required investigation, particularly his allegation that some security personnel allegedly accompanied the perpetrators.
“As the foremost political leader in that community, I will not let this slide,” Keyamo said, adding that he had warned political actors against resorting to self-help.
The minister said his planned petition would not be targeted exclusively at opposition supporters, stressing that any APC member found to have crossed the line should also face appropriate action.
He further called for disciplinary measures against any security personnel found to have condoned or facilitated the alleged looting and destruction.
The allegations have not been independently established, and the minister’s proposed petition is expected to provide the police with an opportunity to determine what occurred, identify those responsible and establish whether any security personnel breached their duties.
Keyamo said he expected the investigation to bring clarity to the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable.
