Former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for Saturday’s violent disruption of a Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)-backed political procession in Asaba, Delta State, alleging that the attack reflects a growing pattern of political intimidation against opposition supporters.

In a statement issued on Sunday, November 8, 2026, by his Special Adviser on Strategy and Communications, Godwin Anaughe, Omo-Agege condemned the incident and demanded an investigation into the killing, injuries and destruction of campaign vehicles during the procession organised by the Obidient/OK Movement in support of NDC presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.

The statement alleged that thousands of supporters had gathered for a peaceful political march before armed men disrupted the procession along major roads in Asaba. It claimed that more than 30 vehicles were damaged and over 10 participants sustained injuries.

Among those reportedly affected, according to the statement, were the Delta State Coordinator of the Obidient/OK Movement, Hon. Favour Emerure, as well as Akpovegho Noah, Ifeoma Enuagwuna, Clinton Ossai, Obiora Anaekwe, Emmanuel Ngene and Ikechukwu Michael.

However, the Delta State Police Command confirmed that one person died and five others sustained injuries during the incident. The police said the violence occurred at about 12:15 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, along Nnebisi Road, Asaba, during the political procession.

In its account, the police disclosed that it had received intelligence indicating the possibility of violence before the event and subsequently invited the organisers to a security meeting. According to the command, the organisers were advised against holding an open-road procession and encouraged to conduct their political activities at a designated venue where adequate security could be provided.

The police said the procession nevertheless proceeded, adding that officers responded to a distress call, evacuated injured persons to hospital and reinforced security in the affected area. The command said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the violence and identify those responsible.

The police account did not identify the deceased or confirm the political affiliation of the person who died. It also did not establish who initiated the violence or identify any alleged sponsors.

Omo-Agege, however, rejected any attempt to treat the incident as an isolated disturbance. His statement accused elements allegedly linked to the Delta State Government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) of being behind the attack. It further alleged that the incident was organised by the Oshimili South Keke Task Force and Revenue Collector, Chief Uche Ndu-Okafor.

The allegations against the named individual and the alleged political sponsors have not been independently established. No evidence confirming their involvement was contained in the police account available at the time of reporting.

The former senator also linked Saturday’s violence to previous incidents involving opposition supporters in parts of Delta State. He cited alleged attacks in Usiefrun, Ughelli South, on August 13; the disruption of a campaign meeting in Uvwie on August 21; and violence during a political march in Warri and Effurun on September 18.

According to the statement, the September incident involved an attack on a march organised in support of Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, with several participants allegedly injured. It also referred to a man identified as Collins Ogumashe, popularly known as Black Moses, who was reportedly apprehended by members of the public and an AK-47 rifle allegedly recovered in connection with the incident.

Omo-Agege questioned the circumstances surrounding the reported release of the suspect and accused the authorities of failing to ensure accountability after previous incidents. These claims require clarification from the relevant security agencies, particularly regarding the arrest, investigation, recovery of the firearm and any subsequent legal action.

The statement accused Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of failing to provide adequate protection for opposition supporters and demanded that the governor take responsibility for ensuring that political activities can take place without intimidation or violence.

It also criticised what it described as restrictions on opposition parties’ access to public facilities and alleged threats against private venue owners and restrictions on campaign posters, billboards and roadshows.

“Stop the barbarism; Deltans will not be intimidated by bloodletting,” the statement declared, calling on the governor to prevent further attacks and ensure that those responsible for political violence are brought to justice.

Omo-Agege further appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and urged the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services to ensure a thorough investigation and prosecution of anyone found culpable.

He specifically demanded that the alleged organiser of the Asaba attack be investigated, while insisting that accountability should extend to anyone who planned, financed or participated in the violence.

The statement also appealed to political supporters to remain peaceful, document incidents of intimidation and avoid retaliatory violence. It warned young people against allowing themselves to be recruited into political violence, arguing that those who sponsor such activities often leave vulnerable youths to bear the consequences.

Meanwhile, the APC in Delta State has rejected allegations linking its members to the attack. The party’s position, as reported by Vanguard, was that the accusations were unsupported by evidence. This denial underscores the need for investigators to establish the identities, affiliations and motives of those involved rather than assign responsibility through political allegations.

The governor’s administration has also been reported as directing security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice. The outcome of that investigation will be important in determining whether the allegations made by the opposition are supported by evidence.

The latest incident has renewed concerns about the safety of political gatherings in Delta State as parties and political movements intensify mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general election.

The right to peaceful assembly and political participation applies to supporters of every political party. Equally, political organisations have a responsibility to cooperate with lawful security arrangements, while security agencies must protect citizens and investigate violence impartially.

For the people of Delta State, the immediate questions remain who initiated the violence, who was responsible for the death and injuries, who damaged the vehicles, and whether anyone organised or financed the attack.

Until the investigation establishes the facts, allegations of political sponsorship must remain allegations. What cannot be disputed, however, is that a person lost his life and others were injured during a political activity in the state capital.

The authorities now face the responsibility of providing credible answers, identifying those responsible and demonstrating that political disagreements will not be settled through violence.

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