Former Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, has strongly condemned the attack on the one million-man-march organised by the Delta State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Uvwie Local Government Area. The march, led by the party's governorship candidate, Chris Iyovwaye, was allegedly attacked by unidentified persons. Omo-Agege described the attack as violent and unprovoked. The incident has sparked widespread concern and condemnation from various quarters.
According to Omo-Agege, the march was initially scheduled to take off from Angle Park in Warri South but was disrupted by persons he identified as All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters. The NDC members were then asked to leave and later relocated to the Total Fuel Station area in Warri following discussions with the police. However, they were again asked to leave and subsequently allegedly attacked at the Uvwie Traffic-Light Junction, Ugborokoko, Jakpa Road, and Urhuomarho.
Omo-Agege claimed that gunshots were fired at Ugborokoko during the confrontation, resulting in over 100 persons being injured and receiving treatment in various hospitals in the state. The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in the state and the apparent lack of police intervention. The NDC members were reportedly unarmed and exercising their right to peaceful assembly.
During the confrontation on Jakpa Road, Collins Ogumashe, alias Black Moses, was allegedly disarmed of an AK-47 rifle by human rights activist, Efemena Umukoro, and handed over to the police. Omo-Agege claimed that Ogumashe was tasked with disrupting the NDC campaigns and that there was a plot to arrest Umukoro. The incident has sparked allegations of political violence and a breakdown in law and order.
Omo-Agege has called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, as the chief security officer of the state, to take responsibility for the security of citizens. He also urged the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the Department of State Services to investigate the attack, the alleged police inaction, and the case of the apprehended suspect. The incident has raised questions about the effectiveness of the state's security apparatus.
The attack on the NDC's million-man-march has sparked widespread condemnation and concern about the increasing trend of political violence in the state. Omo-Agege appealed to Delta youths not to allow themselves to be used for political violence. He emphasized that the NDC remains committed to peaceful and issue-based campaigns, adding that "you may attack our people, but you cannot silence their voices."
The incident has highlighted the need for increased security measures and a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack. The NDC has vowed to continue with its campaigns, despite the setback. The party's governorship candidate, Chris Iyovwaye, has promised to continue to engage with the people of Delta State and to promote the party's manifesto.
Key points
- Omo-Agege demands probe into attack on NDC's million-man-march
- Over 100 persons injured in the attack
- Incident sparks concerns about security situation in Delta State
