Police Seek Information on Delta APC-NDC Clash, Clarify Rifle Recovery

The Delta State Police Command has appealed for information on the clash involving supporters of the All Progressives Congress and Nigeria Democratic Congress during a political rally in Uvwie Local Government Area.

The Command also clarified circumstances surrounding the recovery of an AK-47 rifle during the incident, dismissing reports that the weapon was voluntarily handed over to the police.

According to the police, intelligence was received on September 15 regarding a planned rally involving supporters of the two political parties and concerns over a possible confrontation.

The Command said both groups submitted written notifications on September 17, less than 10 hours before the planned September 18 gathering at Angle Park, Warri.

Police advised the organisers against using the park as a convergence point and deployed officers to the area from 5am on the day of the rally.

As tension increased, additional patrol teams were deployed under Operation Show of Force to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

The Command said officers later observed a group of youths attacking a man, identified as Collins Egbara, near an old building in Orumarho community, Effurun, at about 11:30am.

The officers rescued Egbara, who had sustained severe injuries, and took him to hospital. Police said they could not immediately establish whether he belonged to either political party because he was unable to make a statement.

A subsequent search of the building where Egbara was found led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle.

The police specifically rejected reports that the firearm had been surrendered by individuals, saying its ownership, possession and circumstances surrounding its recovery remained under investigation.

The clarification followed an earlier account by the NDC campaign council, which alleged that Egbara had been seen carrying the rifle during the march and that it was disarmed and handed over to police. The council had called for a thorough investigation into the clash and the firearm recovery.

The police said Egbara remains in protective custody while receiving treatment and that his statement would be obtained once he is medically stable.

Commissioner of Police Samuel Erale assured the public that the investigation would be conducted without compromise and urged anyone with useful information to contact the Command.

He also advised political parties and campaign organisers to notify the police well ahead of rallies to enable adequate security arrangements.

The Command urged political actors and their supporters to remain peaceful as political activities continue across the state.