The Delta State Government has accused organisers of a political rally by the Obidient/OK Movement of disregarding security warnings issued by the police before a confrontation in Asaba that left one person dead and four others seriously injured.
According to Northern Nigeria Hub, the incident occurred on Saturday along Nnebisi Road, where supporters of the movement, which is backing Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 presidential election, were involved in a violent clash.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, said the police had advised the organisers against proceeding with the planned street procession and recommended that the gathering be moved to an approved venue where security personnel could effectively manage the event.
Aniagwu expressed concern that the organisers proceeded despite the warning, describing the resulting violence as unacceptable. He said the state government would not condone political intimidation, violence or attacks on citizens, irrespective of their political affiliations.
He called for a comprehensive police investigation and the prosecution of anyone found culpable, while urging political parties and their supporters to respect the law and avoid activities capable of endangering public safety.
The Delta State Police Command also confirmed that it had identified potential security threats ahead of the gathering and summoned the organisers for a security meeting.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said in a statement on Sunday that the organisers were advised to abandon the open-road procession in favour of a designated location where adequate protection could be provided.
According to the command, the violence broke out at approximately 12:15 p.m. on Saturday. Officers who responded to an emergency call evacuated injured persons to a hospital, while additional security personnel were deployed to the area to prevent further unrest.
The police said investigations had commenced to determine how the confrontation occurred and establish the identities of those involved. The identities of the victims had yet to be confirmed as of Sunday.
Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale, condemned the incident but maintained that political parties were entitled to organise lawful campaigns and other political activities.
He urged political organisations to notify the police before holding rallies and avoid road processions that could expose participants and other residents to danger. He also appealed to members of the public with relevant information to assist the ongoing investigation.
Both the state government and the police urged political actors to exercise restraint as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, warning against conduct capable of disrupting public peace.
