Protest Erupts in Delta State After Fatal Clash at NDC Rally

A violent incident occurred during a political rally organised by supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Asaba, Delta State, on Saturday, November 7. Suspected thugs attacked the rally, resulting in one person being killed and several others injured. The incident has sparked widespread reactions, including condemnation from Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju.

The clash took place during a procession organised by the Obedient/OK Movement along Nnebisi Road in Asaba. According to the Delta State Police Command, intelligence reports had indicated the possibility of violence before the rally, prompting the command to invite the organisers to a security meeting. The police had advised against conducting an open-road procession, recommending that the political activities be held at a designated venue with adequate security arrangements.

Despite the police advice, the organisers proceeded with the procession, which resulted in a clash at approximately 12:15 p.m. One person was killed, and five others sustained injuries during the incident. The identities of the deceased and injured victims were not immediately established. Police operatives rushed to the scene, evacuated the injured victims to a hospital, and reinforced security in the area to prevent further violence.

Deji Adeyanju expressed shock and condemnation over a video that emerged after the killing, showing an individual granting an interview at the scene of the crime while holding what appeared to be a murder weapon. Adeyanju criticised the conduct of those captured in the video, describing it as "crazy" and condemned the ignorance of many Nigerians.

The Delta State Police Command has commenced a full-scale investigation into the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding the clash and identify those responsible. The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Samuel E. Erale, condemned the violence and stressed that political parties and their supporters were free to organise lawful campaigns and political activities.

CP Erale advised political groups to avoid road processions in the interest of public safety and urged organisers to notify the police before holding political gatherings to ensure adequate security arrangements. The commissioner assured residents that the command would conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident.

Following the incident, members of a task force took to the streets to protest the killing of their colleague, who was among those affected by the violence. The protest comes as a reaction to the fatal clash at the NDC rally, highlighting the rising tensions and concerns over security in the region.

Key points

• The incident has sparked widespread reactions, including condemnation from Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju.
• The Delta State Police Command has commenced a full-scale investigation into the incident.
• The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Samuel E. Erale, has assured residents of a thorough and impartial investigation.