The political violence that disrupted a procession organised by the Obidient/OK Movement in support of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Asaba, Delta State, has taken a tragic turn, with the police confirming that one person was killed and five others injured.
The development follows earlier reports that Comrade Noah, Deputy Coordinator of the Obidient Movement in Delta State, was hospitalised after allegedly sustaining dagger wounds during the attack on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
The incident occurred during a political procession from Summit Road towards Interbau Roundabout, with violence later reported along Nnebisi Road at about 12:15 p.m.
The Secretary of the Obidient Movement in Delta State, Josiah Omenuwoma, had accused suspected All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters of attacking participants, alleging that a man identified as Mr Okafor, whom he described as an operative of the Oshimili North Local Government task force, led the attackers.
Omenuwoma said Noah was receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, after sustaining dagger wounds, while several other members were injured and campaign vehicles vandalised.
He also disclosed that participants fled in different directions during the violence, making it difficult for the movement to establish the number of casualties.
At the time of his initial account, Omenuwoma expressed relief that nobody had died. However, a subsequent statement by the Delta State Police Command confirmed that one person lost his life and five others sustained injuries.
The police said the identities of the deceased and injured victims were yet to be established as investigations commenced.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the Command disclosed that it had received intelligence indicating the possibility of violence before the procession and consequently invited the organisers to a security meeting.
According to the police, the organisers were informed of the identified security threats and advised against holding an open-road procession. They were instead encouraged to conduct their activities at a designated venue where adequate security could be provided.
The Command alleged that the organisers ignored the advice and proceeded with the road procession.
Following a distress call, police operatives reportedly mobilised to the scene, evacuated the injured to hospital and reinforced security in the affected area to prevent further violence.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel E. Erale, condemned the incident and reiterated that political parties were free to conduct lawful campaigns and other political activities.
He, however, advised political parties and their supporters to avoid road processions in the interest of public safety and to liaise with the police ahead of political gatherings.
The Command assured residents that it would conduct a thorough and impartial investigation to establish what happened and identify those responsible.
Meanwhile, the National Coordinator of the Global Obidient Movement, Dr Mo, condemned the attack, confirming that Noah had sustained alleged dagger wounds and that other members were injured.
“They hit us with daggers!” he declared, calling for an immediate investigation and the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
He also warned political leaders against inflammatory statements capable of encouraging hostility and violence against opposition supporters.
“Democracy is not warfare. Opposition is not a crime. Political competition is not a licence to murder,” he said.
Former Anambra State Governor and NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, also condemned the violence, expressing sadness over reports of attacks on members and coordinators of the NDC and the Obidient Movement in Delta State.
Obi called on the government and security agencies to investigate the incident, identify those responsible and ensure that they face justice regardless of political affiliation.
The violence also attracted condemnation from Comrade Umokoro Efemena, popularly known as Akima, who described Delta State as no war zone and accused political actors of creating an atmosphere of intimidation against opposition supporters.
Efemena disclosed that he had personally been attacked and stabbed in Warri a few months earlier under what he described as similar circumstances.
He questioned why opposition members should be attacked for exercising their constitutional rights and urged NDC supporters to remain organised and defend their democratic rights through lawful means.
“Delta State belongs to all of us, not one political party,” he declared, demanding swift action from security agencies.
However, allegations that APC members or individuals linked to the ruling party sponsored or carried out the attack have not been independently established. The Delta APC has rejected claims linking its members to the violence, insisting that no evidence has been presented to substantiate the accusations.
The police have not publicly identified the attackers, confirmed the political affiliations of those involved or announced any arrests. They also have not established whether Comrade Noah is among the five injured persons recorded in their statement.
The incident has intensified concerns about political intolerance and the safety of opposition supporters as political mobilisation gathers momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
With one person confirmed dead, five injured and allegations of dagger attacks still requiring investigation, the immediate responsibility lies with security agencies to establish the facts, identify the perpetrators and ensure accountability.
Political disagreement must never become a death sentence. No Nigerian should lose their life or suffer serious injury for participating in a lawful political activity.
The Delta State Police Command has urged anyone with useful information about the incident to contact the Command on 09155570008 or 09155570007.
IBN News — Fearless, Strong & Reliable
