The Delta State Police Command says it averted a potential clash between supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) during a political rally in Uvwie Local Government Area and recovered an AK-47 rifle amid heightened tension.
Police spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed on Tuesday that the command had received intelligence on September 15 about a possible confrontation between supporters of both parties ahead of rallies scheduled for September 18 at Angle Park, Warri. Although organisers notified the police less than 10 hours before the event, they were advised not to use the venue and subsequently dispersed.
Despite the precautionary measures, tension reportedly rose during the rallies, prompting the Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, to deploy additional patrol teams on a show-of-force operation to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
The command said patrol officers later rescued a man, identified as Collins Egbara, from an angry mob at Orumarho Community in Effurun, Uvwie LGA. A search of a nearby abandoned building led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle.
Police said Egbara, who was severely beaten before his rescue, remains hospitalised and has yet to provide a statement. The command added that investigations are ongoing to determine the ownership of the rifle and whether the suspect has any connection to it.
The police dismissed social media reports alleging that the rifle was voluntarily handed over or that efforts were being made to secure the suspect’s release, stressing that the investigation would be concluded once the suspect is medically fit and that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted.
