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One Dead, Five Injured As Obedient/OK Rally For NDC Candidate Turns Violent In Asaba
One person has been killed and five others injured following a violent clash during a political rally organised by the Obedient/OK Movement in support of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Asaba on Saturday.
The Delta State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement on Saturday, saying it has commenced a full-scale investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the violence and identify those responsible.
According to the Police, the clash occurred at about 12:15pm along Nnebisi Road, Asaba, during the rally.The identities of the dead and the injured victims are yet to be ascertained.
Police operatives, on receiving a distress call, mobilised to the scene and rushed the injured victims to the hospital for medical attention. Security has since been reinforced in the area to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
The Command disclosed in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, that before the rally, it received intelligence indicating likelihood of violence and invited the organisers to a security meeting.
During the meeting, the organisers were briefed on the identified threats and advised against holding an open road procession.
They were encouraged to hold their activities at a designated venue where security would be provided.
The Police said the organisers ignored the advice and proceeded with the road procession.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, condemned the violence and reiterated that political parties are free to conduct lawful campaigns.
He, however, advised all political parties and their supporters to avoid road processions in the interest of public safety and to liaise with the Police ahead of any political gathering for adequate security arrangements.
The CP assured residents of the Command’s commitment to a thorough and impartial investigation.He urged anyone with useful information to contact the Command on 09155570008 or 09155570007.
