The Delta State Government and the police have blamed the organisers of a political procession in Asaba for ignoring security advice, following a clash that left one person dead and five others injured.
The incident occurred on Saturday along Nnebisi Road during a procession organised by the Obidient/OK Movement in support of the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The state government said the confrontation could have been avoided if the organisers had heeded police advice against holding an open street march.
The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, stated this in a statement on Sunday, condemning the violence and warning political parties against activities capable of threatening public peace.
Aniagwu said the police had advised the organisers to cancel the proposed street march and instead hold their campaign at a designated venue where adequate security arrangements could be provided.
He expressed concern that the advice was ignored, resulting in a confrontation that claimed a life and left several others injured.
The commissioner said the state government maintained a zero-tolerance position on political violence, intimidation and other forms of political rascality.
He called on the police to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that anyone found responsible was brought to justice.
In a separate statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the command had received intelligence suggesting a likelihood of violence before the procession.
He said the organisers were invited to a security meeting, where they were briefed on the threats and advised against holding an open road procession.
The police 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.”
The command, however, said the organisers ignored the advice and proceeded with the march.
Giving details of the incident, the police said the clash occurred at about 12:15 pm, leaving one person dead and five others with varying degrees of injuries.
“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 statement said.
The command said its operatives rushed to the scene after receiving a distress call and took the injured victims to hospital for treatment.
It added that security had been reinforced in the area, while investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the violence and identify those responsible.
Reacting to the incident, the former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter 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.
The state government also warned that it would not tolerate politically motivated attacks against anyone, irrespective of party affiliation.
Aniagwu said Delta remained safe for residents and visitors, adding that the government would not allow the actions of individuals or groups to undermine peace in the state.
He urged political parties, their leaders and supporters to conduct their activities within the law and respect the lives and rights of other citizens.
