Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has strongly condemned the attack on supporters of the Nigerian Democratic Congress during a campaign walk in Asaba on Saturday. The attack, which was described as “animalistic”, occurred when thousands of supporters gathered for a peaceful road show in support of Mr. Peter Obi and Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso. According to reports, the march proceeded peacefully for about 20 minutes before it was disrupted by armed thugs.
The statement signed by Omo-Agege's Special Adviser on Strategy and Communications, Godwin Anaughe, alleged that the attackers were acting on behalf of elements in the Delta State Government and the Delta State APC. The attack was reportedly organised by the Oshimili South Keke Task Force / Revenue Collector. The statement claimed that more than 30 vehicles were smashed and over 10 supporters were left bleeding, including the State Coordinator of the Obidient/OK Movement, Hon. Favour Emerure.
The Police have confirmed one death, which the office said was reportedly one of the attackers. Omo-Agege's statement called on the Police to identify the deceased, explain how he died, and prosecute those who organised the attack. The statement argued that the Asaba incident was not isolated but part of a pattern of attacks on opposition party supporters in the state.
Omo-Agege's statement listed three previous alleged attacks, beginning on August 13 in Usiefrun, Ughelli South, where armed men allegedly attacked supporters gathered to receive Omo-Agege and six people were reportedly injured. On August 21 in Uvwie, over 50 armed men allegedly stormed and destroyed a venue prepared for a campaign meeting. On September 18 in Warri and Effurun, the One Million-Man March for Deacon Chris Iyovwaye was allegedly ambushed.
Omo-Agege accused Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of promising investigations and prosecutions after those incidents without any follow-through, arguing that the failure to act encouraged further violence. The statement directly addressed the Governor as the Chief Security Officer of the state, calling on him to “stop the barbarism” and to stop shielding thugs.
The statement also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call the Governor to order, and on the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the DSS to arrest and prosecute everyone involved in the Asaba attack, including the alleged organiser, Chief Ndu-Okafor. Omo-Agege further alleged that under the current administration, opposition parties have been denied access to public facilities, private venue owners threatened, and billboards and posters prevented.
The statement urged NDC supporters not to run or hide, but to guard their rallies, record attacks, and respond at the ballot box. It also appealed to youths not to allow themselves to be used as thugs, warning them not to trade their future for money and drinks while the children of those who allegedly sponsor violence remain safe.
Key points
- Omo-Agege demands the arrest and prosecution of thugs behind the attack on NDC supporters in Asaba.
- The attack is alleged to have been organised by the Oshimili South Keke Task Force / Revenue Collector and elements in the Delta State Government and the Delta State APC.
- Omo-Agege accuses Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of failing to investigate and prosecute previous attacks on opposition party supporters.
