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

The Human Rights Advocacy Coalition, in conjunction with the Delta State Civil Society Organisational Forum and Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative, has condemned Friday’s political clash in Warri and Effurun, Delta State, demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

The coalition described the incident as an aftermath of “primitive and aggressive tribalism” in a statement signed by its spokesman, Pastor Edewor Egedegbe, and made available to journalists in Warri on Saturday.

The group described the clash as “an existential assault on human dignity and a fundamental betrayal of the social contract,” while calling on security agencies to strictly enforce the Criminal Code Act against those responsible.

“Those who orchestrated and participated in Friday’s madness and previous actions in this regard must be prosecuted swiftly and publicly,” the coalition said.

While acknowledging the Delta State Government’s directive to law enforcement personnel to investigate the incident, the coalition said the authorities should move beyond directives and ensure the immediate arrest of those responsible.

It said the disruption of activities along the Effurun-Warri corridor affected residents, including market women, daily-wage workers and business owners, who had to bear the consequences of the violence.

The coalition also cited Sections 33 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which guarantee the rights to life and freedom of movement, arguing that the disruption of the corridor amounted to an infringement on those rights.

It condemned the use of violence in political activities, saying democracy should be based on the contest of ideas rather than physical attacks.

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“The ballot box is an instrument of human self-determination, not a justification for seasonal bloodletting,” the group said.

The coalition further called on political leaders to publicly disown acts of violence and caution their supporters against hate speech and electoral sabotage.

It urged traditional, religious and community leaders in Delta State to join efforts to prevent further violence and protect public spaces.

“We appeal to the residents of Effurun, Warri, and the Uvwie community not to allow themselves to be weaponised by elites,” the coalition said.

It added, “Delta State belongs to all of us. Effurun and Warri are spaces for humans to flourish, not to be casualties for political gladiators.”