One Dead, Several Injured as Thugs Attack NDC Campaign in Delta

One person has been killed and several others injured following an attack on the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Million Man March campaign in Asaba, Delta State.

The attack, which occurred around midday on Saturday along Nnebisi Road, the state’s major thoroughfare, reportedly involved suspected thugs armed with axes, machetes and clubs.

Videos circulating on social media showed the attackers smashing the windscreens of NDC-branded campaign vehicles, while party supporters were reportedly assaulted, leaving several with varying degrees of injuries, including head wounds.

The incident has heightened political tension in the state, with the Delta State Police Command and the NDC offering conflicting accounts of the circumstances surrounding the attack.

In a statement, the police command said it had advised the organisers of the campaign against proceeding with their planned activities following intelligence reports indicating the possibility of violence.

The command, however, alleged that the organisers ignored the warning and went ahead with the event.

But the Delta State chapter of the NDC, through its Ochei Media Team, denied receiving any security intelligence warning or disregarding police advice.

The party described the incident as an act of political desperation, allegedly driven by panic over its growing political influence.

It called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the Inspector-General of Police to order a comprehensive investigation into the attack, identify and apprehend all those involved, and ensure that political activities can take place without intimidation or violence.

The party also demanded adequate protection for its members, supporters and other political actors in the state.

The attack comes amid growing concerns over political violence and the safety of party supporters during political campaigns.

As of the time of filing this report, the circumstances surrounding the fatality and the identities of those responsible for the attack had yet to be fully established.