The Delta State Government has blamed the organisers of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and members of the Obidient Movement for the violent attack on their supporters during a political rally in Asaba, accusing them of disregarding police directives restricting a proposed street procession.
The government confirmed that one person was killed and four others sustained serious injuries during the attack, which occurred on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
ChroniclesReporters had earlier reported that armed thugs attacked NDC supporters and members of the Obidient Movement during the rally, leaving several participants injured.
Among those attacked was the Deputy Coordinator of the Obidient Movement in Delta State, identified simply as Comrade Noah, who was reportedly stabbed with daggers during the assault.
The attackers were said to have been armed with daggers and other dangerous weapons, which they allegedly used to attack participants, leaving several members of the movement with varying degrees of injuries.
The incident triggered outrage among members of the Obidient Movement and NDC supporters, who condemned the violence and called on security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible.
Reacting to the development, the Delta State Government condemned the attack, describing it as unacceptable and avoidable.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, the government claimed that the violence could have been prevented if the rally organisers had complied with police advice to suspend the proposed street march and conduct their campaign at a designated venue.
According to the commissioner, security authorities had advised the organisers against embarking on the street procession, but they allegedly failed to heed the directive.
Aniagwu maintained that the attack “could have been avoided if the organisers had heeded police advice to shelve the proposed street march and hold their campaign at a designated venue.”
The state government, however, called on the police to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident and ensure that everyone found culpable is brought to justice.
It further warned political parties, their supporters and other political actors against engaging in violence, intimidation or any activities capable of undermining public peace and security.
Reiterating its zero tolerance for politically motivated violence, the government urged political stakeholders to respect human life, uphold the rule of law and ensure that political activities do not expose residents to danger.
The attack has renewed concerns over political violence and the safety of opposition supporters as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.