One Killed, Five Injured as Hoodlums Attack NDC Supporters at Delta Rally

One person has been killed and five others injured after suspected hoodlums attacked supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) during a political procession in Asaba, Delta State.

The incident occurred on Saturday, November 7, along Nnebisi Road during a march organised by the Obidient/OK Movement in support of the party’s presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election.

The Delta State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying it had commenced an investigation to establish what happened and identify those responsible.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, said the command had received intelligence suggesting a possibility of violence before the procession.

According to him, the organisers were invited to a security meeting, where they were briefed about the identified threats and advised against holding an open-road procession.

The police said the organisers were encouraged to conduct their political activities at a designated venue where adequate security could be provided. However, they allegedly proceeded with the road procession despite the warning.

Edafe said the command received a distress call at about 12:15 p.m. and deployed officers to the scene. The injured victims were taken to hospital for treatment, while the identities of those involved were yet to be established.

The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Samuel Erale, condemned the violence and urged political parties to work with security agencies when organising public activities.

The NDC also condemned the attack, describing it as a premeditated assault on its supporters during what it called a peaceful One Million Man March.

In a statement, the party alleged that armed attackers used sticks, knives and machetes to disrupt the procession. It further claimed that several campaign vehicles were vandalised and that supporters sustained injuries.

The party called on the Delta State Government, the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to investigate the incident, arrest those responsible and ensure their prosecution.

It also appealed to its supporters to remain calm and avoid retaliation.

The incident has raised concerns about political violence and the safety of campaign activities as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.