Former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege
“One death is one too many. Whoever sent armed thugs into a peaceful march must answer for it.”
The former deputy president of the Senate Ovie Omo-Agege has called for a comprehensive investigation into the recent attack on the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters in Asaba, Delta State.
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Mr Omo-Agege is the NDC senatorial candidate for the Delta Central District in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.
He made the call on Sunday in a statement through his Special Adviser, Strategy and Communications, Godwin Anaughe in Warri.
“Thousands of ordinary residents of Delta on Saturday, came out to walk peacefully and campaign for the NDC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The residents, led by the Obidient/OK Movement filled the streets, singing and carrying the message of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the NDC to the people.
“Suddenly, thugs, fully armed with dangerous weapons, descended on the unarmed campaigners. More than 30 vehicles were smashed, while over 10 of NDC members and supporters were left bleeding heavily,” Mr Omo-Agege stated.
According to him, the police have confirmed one death. Reports say the deceased was one of the attackers.
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“One death is one too many. Whoever sent armed thugs into a peaceful march must answer for it.
“We demand the police to identify the deceased, tell us how he died, and prosecute everyone, who organised and sponsored this attack,” he further stated.
Mr Omo-Agege described the attack as “animalistic and barbaric”.
He said the attack was borne out of fear of NDC’s grip on the grassroots in Delta.
The former senator said the Asaba incident was not a one-off. He recalled other incidences in which the party suffered attacks in the state.
“On 13 August, in Usiefrun, Ughelli South, armed men attacked our people who had simply gathered to receive us.
“On 21 August, over 50 armed men stormed Uvwie and destroyed the venue we had prepared for a campaign meeting.
“Also, on 18 September, in Warri and Effurun, our One Million-Man March for Deacon Chris Iyovwaye was ambushed at Angle Park, Uvwie junction, Ugborokoko, Jakpa Road, Urhuomarho,” he said.
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Omo-Agege called on security agencies to provide the party with security to march and to do road shows.
He also called on the Inspector-General of Police, Oluwatunji Disu and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Ajayi to arrest and prosecute those involved in the attack.
He urged the party supporters to remain steadfast, assuring that the party’s rallies would be properly guarded.
Mr Omo-Agege, while thanking the bystanders, shop owners, traders, and artisans for their quick intervention in the attack, urged the youth not to allow themselves to be used as thugs.
The Delta State Government and the Delta APC campaign council have also condemned the attack on the NDC supporters.
Charles Aniagwu, Delta State commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information/ Media Committee Chairman of the APC, said in a statement on Sunday that the attack was as unacceptable. He warned political parties and their supporters to desist from taking actions that could threaten public peace and security.