The Delta State Police Command has given an account of how it prevented a clash between supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) during a political rally in Uvwie Local Government Area, while also confirming the rescue of a man from a mob and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle nearby.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the command was reacting to social media reports alleging the arrest of a suspect and the recovery of the rifle during the rally, as well as claims that efforts were being made to secure the suspect’s release.
According to the statement, police intelligence had flagged the planned rally as early as September 15, warning of a “likelihood of a clash” between the two parties’ supporters.
Edafe said organisers were difficult to reach until both camps eventually submitted written notifications on September 17, barely ten hours before the rally, scheduled for September 18 at Angle Park, Warri. The police said they advised against using the park as a venue, after which the groups “went their separate ways.”
Edafe said the Commissioner of Police, Samuel Etaifo Erale, ordered the deployment of officers to the rally venue at about 5 a.m. on the day of the event as a precaution against any breakdown of law and order.
As the rally progressed, tension rose, and a clash appeared imminent, prompting the command to deploy additional patrol teams under an operation code-named “Show of Force,” the statement said, adding that the situation was “subsequently brought under control.”
It was around 11:30 a.m. that a patrol team on the operation spotted a mob attacking a man, later identified as Collins Egbara, near an old building in Orumarho community, Effurun. Officers intervened and rescued him after he had been “beaten to stupor,” the statement said. Police say they have not been able to establish whether Egbara belongs to any political party, as he has yet to give a statement, and that he was rushed to hospital for treatment.
A search of the building where he was attacked led to the discovery of an AK-47 rifle, according to the police.
The command dismissed as false circulating claims that the weapon had been handed to police by members of the public, insisting that “the ownership, possession and recovery of the gun is currently subject to an ongoing investigation.” Egbara, described as being under protective custody, will be interviewed once medically stable, and could face prosecution “if found wanting and connected to the gun,” the police said.
Commissioner Erale was quoted in the statement assuring residents that his command “will not compromise the investigation, as it is being alleged on social media,” and he called on the media to verify information through proper channels before publishing. He further urged political parties and rally organisers to notify police well ahead of such events “so that adequate security can be provided to avoid breakdown of law and order.”
The police are appealing for information that could aid the investigation, with the public urged to contact the command’s Public Relations Office on 09155570008 or 09155570007.
