The Delta State Police Command has clarified reports surrounding the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and the rescue of a man who was allegedly attacked by youths during a political rally in Uvwie Local Government Area. The Command, in a statement on Tuesday, said it received intelligence on September 15……
The Delta State Police Command has clarified reports surrounding the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and the rescue of a man who was allegedly attacked by youths during a political rally in Uvwie Local Government Area.
The Command, in a statement on Tuesday, said it received intelligence on September 15 about a planned rally involving supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), with concerns over a possible clash.
According to the police, both groups submitted written notifications about the rally on September 17, less than 10 hours before the planned September 18 event at Angle Park, Warri.
The organisers were advised not to use the park as the point of convergence, after which the groups reportedly went their separate ways.
The police said it deployed officers to the proposed venue from 5am on September 18 to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
It added that heightened tension during the rally prompted additional patrol teams under Operation Show of Force, which eventually brought the situation under control.
However, at about 11:30am, police patrol teams reportedly saw a group of youths attacking a man identified as Collins Egbara near an old building in Orumarho community, Effurun.
The Command said officers rescued Egbara from the mob after he had been beaten severely and rushed him to hospital.
Police said they could not establish whether Egbara belonged to either political party because he had not been able to make a statement.
A search of the building where he was found subsequently led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, according to the Command.
The police dismissed reports that the rifle was voluntarily handed over to officers by some individuals, saying its ownership, possession and recovery remain subject to investigation.
The Command said Egbara remains under protective custody while receiving treatment and that his statement would be taken once he is medically stable.
“The investigation will be concluded as soon as the suspect is stable. If found wanting and connected to the gun, he will be charged to court,” the statement said.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, assured the public that the Command would not compromise the investigation.
He also urged political parties and campaign organisers to notify the police well ahead of rallies to enable adequate security arrangements.
The Command appealed to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact its Public Relations Office on 09155570008 or 09155570007.
