DELTA ORDERS INVESTIGATION AFTER VIRAL VIDEO SHOWS POLITICAL SUPPORTERS CLASHING
The Delta State Government has ordered security agencies to investigate a violent confrontation involving suspected NDC and APC supporters during an NDC campaign march in Effurun. Viral videos show chaotic scenes, while rival political figures have traded accusations over responsibility that remain unproven.
The Delta State Government has ordered security agencies to investigate a violent confrontation involving suspected supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress and the All Progressives Congress in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.
The confrontation occurred on Friday during an NDC campaign mobilization march and gained widespread attention after videos showing chaotic scenes began circulating online.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori directed security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that anyone found responsible is prosecuted.
The government said political competition must not be allowed to develop into violence, intimidation or threats to public safety.
VIRAL VIDEO SHOWS CHAOTIC CONFRONTATION
Videos circulating online show a confrontation involving people participating in the political activities in Effurun.
Some individuals can be seen carrying sticks during the disturbance.
However, the videos alone do not establish who initiated the confrontation or whether the violence was organised by either political party.
Police had not publicly announced the outcome of an investigation into the incident at the time of reporting.
INCIDENT OCCURRED DURING NDC CAMPAIGN MARCH
The confrontation reportedly occurred during an NDC mobilisation exercise in Effurun as political activities increase ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections.
The campaigners were reportedly moving around the Airport Road area when the confrontation occurred.
The march was part of an NDC mobilisation campaign for its candidates.
Following the incident, political figures began trading accusations over responsibility for the violence.
NDC FIGURE ACCUSES APC AND GOVERNOR
Dr Obiuwevbi Ominimini, an NDC candidate for the Ughelli Udu Federal Constituency, accused the APC and Governor Oborevwori of mobilising people to attack NDC supporters during the march.
The accusation remains an allegation and has not been independently established.
The Delta State Government responded by calling for an investigation to determine what happened and identify anyone responsible.
No conclusion should be drawn about responsibility for the confrontation until investigators establish the circumstances surrounding the violence.
GOVERNOR ORDERS SECURITY INVESTIGATION
Delta State Commissioner for Works, Rural Roads and Public Information Charles Aniagwu said Governor Oborevwori had directed security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation.
Aniagwu said anyone found to have participated in criminal conduct should face the law regardless of political affiliation.
The government said it maintains a zero tolerance position on political violence and would not protect individuals found responsible for offences.
GOVERNMENT CALLS FOR PEACEFUL CAMPAIGNS
The Delta government said political parties, candidates and their supporters have the right to campaign peacefully throughout the state without harassment or obstruction.
It urged political leaders, candidates, youth leaders and community leaders to ensure their supporters remain peaceful as campaigning intensifies.
Security agencies were also urged to provide protection for political activities and ensure parties are able to campaign without intimidation.
INCIDENT COMES AS POLITICAL ACTIVITY INTENSIFIES
The confrontation comes as political parties increase mobilisation ahead of Nigeria's next general election cycle.
It also occurred shortly before the Udu State Constituency by election scheduled for September 19.
The government has imposed restrictions on movement in Udu Local Government Area during the election period as authorities seek to maintain security.
For now, responsibility for the Effurun confrontation remains under investigation.
The viral footage documents the disorder but does not by itself establish which individuals or political organisations were responsible for initiating or organising the violence.
