Group demands arrest, prosecution, of Delta APC, NDC clash perpetrators

The Human Rights Advocacy Coalition, alongside representatives from the Delta State Civil Society Organisational Forum and Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative, has vehemently denounced the violent political clash that occurred in Warri and Effurun, Delta State on Friday. In a statement released to journalists, the coalition highlighted the incident as a grim consequence of "primitive and aggressive tribalism."

Spokesman Pastor Edewor Egedegbe emphasized that the clash constituted an "existential assault on human dignity and a fundamental betrayal of the social contract." The group urged law enforcement agencies to strictly enforce the Criminal Code Act against those responsible, asserting that swift and public prosecution of the perpetrators is necessary.

While recognizing the Delta State Government's directive for a thorough investigation, the coalition stressed the urgent need for immediate arrests of the responsible individuals. The disruption of the Effurun-Warri corridor had significant impacts on residents, affecting market women, daily-wage workers, and business owners. The coalition cited specific constitutional provisions, Sections 33 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee the rights to life and freedom of movement.

They argued that the violence and disruption to the corridor constituted a direct violation of these rights. The coalition vehemently condemned the use of violence in political activities, asserting that democracy should be grounded in the exchange of ideas rather than physical confrontations. They called on political leaders to unequivocally disavow any acts of violence and to educate their supporters against hate speech and electoral sabotage.

The group also appealed to traditional, religious, and community leaders to join in their efforts to prevent further violence and protect public spaces, emphasizing that Delta State belongs to all its residents and should not be reduced to a battleground for political gladiators.