One person has been killed and five others injured following a violent clash at a political rally in Asaba, Delta State.
The incident occurred around 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.
The Delta State Police Command confirmed the casualties, saying it had commenced an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the violence.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the command disclosed that it had earlier received intelligence reports indicating a possible security threat ahead of the rally.
According to the police, the organisers were invited to a security meeting and advised against conducting 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,” the statement said.
The command, however, alleged that the organisers disregarded the advice and proceeded with the procession.
Confirming the incident, the police said, “A violent incident occurred along Nnebisi Road, Asaba, resulting in the death of one person, while five others sustained varying degrees of injuries.”
It added that the identities of the victims were yet to be established, while officers who responded to a distress call evacuated the injured to a hospital.
The police said additional security personnel had been deployed to the area as investigations continued to identify those responsible.
Reacting to the incident, Obi expressed sadness over reports of attacks on members and coordinators of the Nigeria Democratic Congress and the Obidient Movement in Delta State.
The former Anambra State governor condemned the violence, insisting that political disagreements should never result in loss of lives.
“Political violence has no place in a democracy and can never be justified. No political aspiration is worth the life of a Nigerian,” he said.
Obi urged the government and security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, apprehend those responsible and ensure they were brought to justice regardless of their political affiliations.
The police reiterated their commitment to establishing the circumstances surrounding the clash and identifying those involved.
