A political rally organised by supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Asaba, Delta State, was disrupted by suspected political thugs on Sunday, leaving at least 10 people injured and more than 30 vehicles reportedly vandalised.
The incident, which occurred along Nnebisi Road, reportedly involved masked men dressed in black who allegedly wielded dangerous weapons and attacked participants during a peaceful procession, triggering panic among residents, motorists and passers-by.
Several campaign vehicles, buses and tricycles were reportedly destroyed, while some of the injured victims were said to have been rushed to hospitals for medical attention.
Reacting to the incident, the NDC Delta North Senatorial Candidate, Victor Ochei, condemned the attack and called on the Delta State Government and security agencies to investigate the incident and arrest those responsible.
Ochei explained that the rally was conceived as a one-million-man march to demonstrate the growing support for the NDC and its preparedness for the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the organisers, comprising members of the Obidient Movement and OK Movement, had initially planned to converge at the Interbau Roundabout beneath the flyover but changed the meeting point following an intervention by the Delta State Commissioner of Police.
He said the organisers subsequently agreed to assemble in front of his campaign office before embarking on a procession through major roads in Asaba to sensitise residents about the party.
However, Ochei disclosed that he received a distress call while the procession was underway, informing him that participants were being attacked by masked men dressed in black.
He alleged that the attackers destroyed more than 30 vehicles belonging to the campaign team and supporters. He also alleged that a man identified as Uchendu, whom he described as a member of the ruling party in the state, sponsored the attack. The allegation has not been independently verified.
Describing the incident as disturbing and unacceptable in a democratic society, the senatorial candidate insisted that political differences should never be used as an excuse for violence, intimidation or the suppression of opposing views.
He maintained that NDC members were exercising their constitutional rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly.
Ochei also dismissed suggestions that the incident resulted from an internal disagreement within the party, insisting that the NDC remained united.
Despite the attack, he said the organisers were determined not to be intimidated and remained committed to peaceful political participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He challenged political opponents to campaign on their achievements, completed projects and policy proposals rather than resorting to violence against members of opposition parties.
Calling directly on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Ochei urged him to ensure the safety of all residents of Delta State, irrespective of their political affiliations.
He said: “You owe a duty to every Deltan to ensure the safety and welfare of every citizen, whether they belong to your political party or not. I call upon you today to please call your party men to order. Let them campaign on your achievements, projects executed, and not attack innocent citizens.”
He further warned that the NDC would resist any attempt to intimidate its members ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that the party would remain committed to ensuring that the votes of Nigerians and Deltans count.
“I also call on the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police in Delta. Let this matter be appropriately investigated, and bring the perpetrators of the attack to book. For the sake of peace, Delta State should not shed any blood,” Ochei added.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Obidient and OK Movement Coordinator, Favour Emerure, also condemned the alleged attack, claiming that members of the movement were assaulted during the procession despite obtaining police approval for the rally.
Emerure said the march was organised to demonstrate support for the NDC and provide an opportunity for supporters to express their political convictions peacefully.
Recounting the incident, he alleged that the attack occurred barely 15 to 20 minutes after the procession commenced, identifying the vicinity of Kowen Plaza in Asaba as the location.
According to him, the attackers targeted participants at the rear of the procession, disrupting the march and causing panic among supporters.
He expressed concern over what he described as a growing threat to peaceful political participation in the state, stressing that no citizen should be attacked or intimidated for supporting a political party of their choice.
Emerure called on security agencies and relevant authorities to investigate the incident, identify those responsible and ensure that they are brought to justice.
Some of the victims also alleged that the attackers approached from behind and used dangerous weapons to assault unsuspecting participants.
As of the time of filing this report, the Delta State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
The attack has raised concerns over the safety of political gatherings in Delta State as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
