Iyovwaye Campaign Council Condemns Attack on One Million March in Asaba, Demands Full Probe

The Deacon Chris Campaign Council strongly condemns the reported attacks and disruption of the peaceful One Million Man March held in Warri/Effurun, Delta State, and calls on the relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the incident.

The march commenced at approximately 8:00 a.m. According to the organisers, however, the attacks began shortly after the procession got underway. Reports from the organisers indicate that incidents occurred at several locations, including Airport Road by Total, Airport Road by the traffic light/link road, Ogboroke in Warri, and Jakpa Junction before the Refinery Junction.

Ambassador Young Piero, Convener of the Local Boys and Girls Movement Support Group and organiser of the One Million Man March for Obi-Kwankwaso in Uvwie and Warri, Delta State, provided an account of the reported incidents at the various locations and the sequence of events.

According to the organisers, individuals suspected of being political thugs allegedly confronted participants and were armed with firearms and other dangerous objects, including bottles, knives, logs of wood and stones. The organisers allege that the attackers sought to disrupt the peaceful political procession.

At Jakpa Junction, the organisers reported that an individual identified as Collins Egbara was allegedly seen carrying an AK-47 rifle. According to the organisers, the individual was subsequently disarmed and handed over to the police.

The name Collins Egbara also appears in historical reporting by Vanguard concerning a 2011 police account relating to the late Ogbe Onokpite. That report concerns events from 2011 and should not be interpreted as establishing any connection between that individual and the present incident without an independent investigation.

The organisers further report that five participants sustained injuries during the incident and were rushed to hospital for medical attention.

CALL FOR IMMEDIATE INVESTIGATION

The Deacon Chris Campaign Council calls on the Inspector General of Police, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other relevant security agencies to conduct an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the incident.

The investigation should establish the circumstances that led to the reported attacks, the identities and affiliations, if any, of those involved, whether firearms or other weapons were used, the circumstances surrounding the reported recovery and handover of the AK-47, the number and nature of injuries sustained by participants, and whether any individuals or groups organised or coordinated the reported attacks.

The Campaign Council further calls for anyone found culpable through a credible investigation to be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

We note that the Delta State Government has directed security agencies to investigate the reported confrontation and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the law. We welcome this directive and urge the relevant authorities to ensure that the investigation is comprehensive, transparent and conducted without fear or favour.

The Deacon Chris Campaign Council reaffirms its commitment to peaceful democratic participation and the constitutional right of citizens to freely associate, assemble and participate in political activities. We urge all members and supporters of the campaign to remain peaceful, disciplined and law-abiding while allowing the appropriate authorities to establish the facts surrounding the incident.

Political differences should never become a justification for violence, intimidation or the disruption of peaceful political activities.

The people of Delta State have the right to participate freely in democratic activities without intimidation, violence or fear.

Signed:

Chief Mulade Alfred
Director General, Deacon Chris Campaign Council
Governorship Candidate
Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)
Delta State

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