The Nigerian Democratic Congress has accused the Delta State Government and the police of attempting to blame victims of Saturday’s political violence in Asaba, insisting that the killing of one person and injury of five others must be independently investigated.
The party alleged that the incident along Nnebisi Road was a coordinated attack on supporters of the Obidient/OK Movement, while the state government and police maintained that the violence could have been avoided if the organisers had obeyed security advice against holding an open street procession.
The NDC made its position known in an open letter addressed to the state government and the Delta State Police Command, issued through its Volunteer Media on Sunday.
It demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the violence, as well as the public release of the findings of an independent investigation.
However, the state government blamed the organisers for ignoring police advice to cancel the street march and instead hold their political activity at a designated venue where security could be provided.
The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, said the confrontation could have been avoided if the organisers had followed the police directive.
Aniagwu, who condemned the violence, said the government maintained zero tolerance for 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 on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the command had received intelligence indicating a likelihood of violence before the procession.
According to him, the organisers were invited to a security meeting, where they were briefed on the identified threats and advised against holding an open road procession.
“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 police spokesman said.
The command said the organisers ignored the advice and proceeded with the march.
Giving details of the incident, the police said the violence occurred at about 12.15pm, leaving one person dead and five others injured.
“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 police added that its operatives rushed to the scene after receiving a distress call and took the injured victims to hospital for treatment.
It said security had been reinforced in the area and investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.
But the NDC rejected the explanation by the police and government, arguing that prior intelligence about a possible attack should have prompted the security agencies to identify and arrest those allegedly planning violence rather than merely advising the organisers to cancel their procession.
The party also accused the police of selective enforcement, alleging that opposition parties were routinely discouraged from holding street rallies on security grounds while similar activities organised by the ruling All Progressives Congress were allowed to proceed.
It challenged the government and police to identify the public venues available to opposition parties, alleging that stadiums, halls and open fields had been denied them.
The NDC cited Sections 39, 40 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which guarantee freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and movement.
It argued that security advisories should not be used to undermine these constitutional rights or prevent opposition parties from participating in political activities.
The party also questioned the circumstances surrounding the death, demanding the public disclosure of the deceased’s identity, the location and time of the killing, the cause of death and whether the victim was involved in the procession.
It further urged the police to review video clips circulating on social media, which it claimed showed the destruction of NDC-branded vehicles, windscreens, side mirrors, banners and posters.
The party called for the identification and prosecution of those allegedly involved in the destruction.
Meanwhile, former Anambra State Governor and NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, expressed sadness over reports of attacks on members and coordinators of the NDC and the Obidient Movement in Delta State.
Obi described himself as “profoundly saddened and deeply disturbed” by the reports.
Aniagwu, however, maintained that Delta remained safe for residents and visitors, warning political parties and their supporters against activities capable of undermining public peace.
He said the government would not allow the actions of individuals or groups to threaten security in the state, irrespective of their political affiliations.
The NDC, while reaffirming its commitment to peaceful political participation, said it would not be intimidated or silenced, insisting that Delta belonged to all political parties and citizens.
It called for justice for the deceased and all those affected by the violence.
