The Delta State Police Command has appealed for information from members of the public as investigations continue into the confrontation that occurred during a political mobilisation exercise involving supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Uvwie Local Government Area.
The incident occurred on September 18 during an NDC mobilisation march in the Effurun area of Delta State. Reports of the confrontation prompted calls for an investigation after videos showing violence circulated online. The Delta State Government subsequently directed security agencies to establish what happened and ensure that anyone found responsible was dealt with according to the law.
In its latest clarification, the police said it had received intelligence on September 15 about a planned rally involving supporters of the two political groups and concerns that the event could lead to a clash. The Command said both groups submitted written notifications about their planned activities on September 17, less than 10 hours before the proposed September 18 event at Angle Park, Warri.
According to the police, organisers were advised not to use the park as their point of convergence, after which the groups reportedly went their separate ways. Officers were nevertheless deployed to the proposed venue from about 5am to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
The Command said tension later increased during the political activities, leading to the deployment of additional patrol teams under Operation Show of Force. Police said the operation helped bring the situation under control.
The Command also provided details concerning the rescue of a man identified as Collins Egbara. At about 11:30am, police patrol teams reportedly saw a group of youths attacking Egbara near an old building in Orumarho community, Effurun. Officers intervened, rescued him from the mob and took him to hospital after he had sustained serious injuries.
The police stressed that they had not established whether Egbara was affiliated with either the APC or NDC because he had not yet been able to make a statement.
A subsequent search of the building where Egbara was found resulted in the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, according to the Command. Police also clarified that contrary to some reports, the rifle was not voluntarily handed over to officers by individuals at the scene. The Command said the circumstances surrounding the weapon's ownership, possession and recovery remain under investigation.
The clarification is significant because accounts surrounding the firearm have differed. The NDC campaign council had alleged that a man identified as Collins Egbara was seen carrying an AK-47 during the confrontation and claimed that the weapon was disarmed and handed over to the police. The council called for a thorough investigation into the incident and the circumstances surrounding the firearm.
However, the police account does not establish that Egbara owned or possessed the rifle. Instead, the Command said the weapon was recovered during a search of the building and that its ownership and possession would be determined through investigation. This distinction is important while the facts remain under examination.
The police have urged anyone with useful information about the confrontation, the assault on Egbara or the recovered firearm to assist investigators. The Command's clarification also reinforces the need for political parties and their supporters to notify authorities properly and ensure that campaign and mobilisation activities remain peaceful.
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