Oborevwori directs probe into Effurun violence, calls for violence-free campaigns

Directs security agencies to fish out perpetrators

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Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has directed security agencies to investigate the reported political disturbance in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, involving suspected supporters of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor called for the investigation through the state Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, following a report of an alleged attack on supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) at Old Airport Road in Uvwie council area.

It was learnt that supporters of the Obidient and Kwankwasiya movements, backing the presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, were reportedly at a campaign rally on Friday near Delta Career College when suspected thugs confronted them.

The incident came to public attention when a photographer affiliated with Obi, Esther Umoh, claimed in a post on X that the campaign team was assaulted by politically sponsored thugs.

According to her post, the attack targeted the entourage of the party’s governorship candidate in Delta and other supporters who were campaigning in the area.

“As of this morning, politically sponsored thugs reportedly opened fire on @MamaPee__, @Drmopaul, @dchrisiyovwaye, the Delta State governorship candidate, members of his entourage, and other Obidient and Kwankwasiya supporters who were out campaigning in Warri,” she wrote.

A video circulating on social media showed a chaotic scene with voices in the background alleging an attack. In the footage, a voice is heard saying,

“Look at the thugs, they came to attack us. We must face them. We are fully ready for them.”

Another voice in a separate clip alleged, “These are Delta State Government thugs, blocking our display,” while others were heard chanting, “Policemen are just watching.”

The motive behind the alleged attack and the identity of those involved remain unclear as of press time.

The Delta State Police Command and the leadership of the NDC are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

Reacting to the development, Governor Oborevwori condemned the incident, declaring that no individual or political group would be allowed to disturb the peace of the state.

In a strong warning to political actors across the state, the government said every political party, candidate, and supporter had the right to campaign freely and peacefully in any part of Delta without intimidation, harassment or obstruction.

Oborevwori had directed security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and bring anyone found culpable to justice.

Aniagwu said the government was particularly concerned by the viral video of the incident, stressing that Delta would not allow political rivalry to degenerate into violence, thuggery or a culture of intimidation.

He said the position of the Oborevwori administration had remained consistent: there would be zero tolerance for political violence, regardless of the political party or individuals involved.

“Governor Oborevwori has directed the security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure that whoever is found to have participated in the act is made to face the full weight of the law,” he said.

The commissioner stressed that political campaigns were not a licence for violence, saying disagreements over political affiliations must never be allowed to threaten the peace of communities or the safety of citizens.

Aniagwu declared that no political party would be stopped from campaigning anywhere in Delta State, provided its activities remained peaceful and within the law.

He said the administration had recorded significant achievements across Delta under the MORE Agenda and would continue to take its message and record of performance to the people and would not encourage any of its supporters to resort to confrontation or intimidation.

Aniagwu therefore charged supporters of the ruling party and opposition parties to play by the rules, warning that political competition must never become a battle for physical supremacy.

He said the government would not protect anyone who violated the law, just as it would not permit supporters of political parties to engage in acts capable of threatening public peace.

“Political affiliation is not a shield against the law. If anybody commits an offence, the law should take its course. We cannot preach peace and at the same time tolerate people who undermine it,” he said.

The commissioner called on political leaders, candidates, youth groups, community leaders and supporters to restrain their followers and ensure that campaign activities across the state remained peaceful.

He also urged security agencies to remain vigilant and provide a level playing field for all political actors, stressing that the protection of citizens and their democratic rights must remain paramount.

Aniagwu said the state government would continue to support lawful political activities while taking firm measures against anyone attempting to disrupt the peace or prevent others from exercising their rights.

He added that no election, political ambition or party interest was worth the life of any Deltan, urging politicians to compete with ideas, programmes and records rather than violence.

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