Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Delta State Police Command averted what could have been a deadly clash between supporters of the All Progressives Congress and the Nigeria Democratic Congress during a political rally in Uvwie Local Government Area on September 18, 2026, rescuing a man from a violent mob and recovering an AK-47 rifle from the scene. The command’s intervention prevented a breakdown of law and order and saved the life of Collins Egbara, who was beaten to stupor before officers arrived.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the command received intelligence on September 15 about a planned rally and the likelihood of a clash between APC and NDC supporters. All efforts to contact the organisers proved abortive until September 17, when the command received written notifications from both groups, less than ten hours before the rally scheduled for September 18 at Angle Park, Warri. The organisers were advised not to use Angle Park as their point of convergence, and they subsequently went their separate ways.
At about 5:00 a.m. on September 18, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, ordered the deployment of policemen to the proposed venue to prevent any breakdown of law and order. However, during the rally, tension heightened, and the likelihood of a possible clash between supporters of both parties led to additional deployment of patrol teams under “Operation Show of Force.” The situation was eventually brought under control.
At about 11:30 a.m. the same day, police patrol teams on the show of force operation noticed that a group of irate youths were mobbing an individual later identified as Collins Egbara close to an old building at Orumarho Community in Effurun town, Uvwie LGA. Egbara was beaten to stupor, and officers quickly rescued him from the mob. He was rushed to the hospital for treatment and is currently in stable condition.
A quick search of the premises of the said building led to the discovery of an AK-47 rifle. The command denied reports that the rifle had been handed over to the police by some persons, stating that the ownership, possession and recovery of the gun are currently subject to an ongoing investigation. From the moment he was rescued, the police could not ascertain whether Egbara belongs to any political party, as he has not been able to give a statement. He remains under protective custody, and his statement will be obtained 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 command said. It added that the investigation would not be compromised, contrary to allegations circulating on social media. The Commissioner of Police urged political parties, supporters and campaign organisers to notify the police ahead of rallies to enable adequate security arrangements, and appealed to anyone with useful information that can aid the investigation to contact the command through the Police Public Relations Office on 09155570008 or 09155570007.
The incident has drawn reactions from political stakeholders. The NDC campaign council alleged that Egbara had been seen carrying an AK-47 during a political procession in the area and was subsequently handed over to the police. The council also alleged that five participants were injured during confrontations at different locations in Warri and Uvwie and called for a full investigation. The police account, however, states that officers rescued Egbara from a mob and later recovered the rifle during a search of the nearby building. The command did not confirm his political affiliation or establish that he was carrying the weapon when he was found.
The Delta State Government had earlier directed security agencies to investigate the September 18 confrontation between suspected supporters of the APC and NDC during a campaign march in Effurun. The state government expressed concern over a video of the incident and directed security agencies to identify and prosecute anyone found culpable, while urging political parties and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully. The clash reportedly occurred during an NDC mobilisation exercise tagged the “1,000,000-Man March for NDC Candidates, 5-over-5.”
The police have urged members of the public and the media to verify information through appropriate channels before publication. The investigation is expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the mob attack on Egbara, the ownership and source of the recovered AK-47 rifle, and whether he has any connection with the firearm or the political activities in the area.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments