Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
The Delta State Police Command has clarified reports surrounding the alleged arrest of a suspect and recovery of an AK-47 rifle during a political rally involving supporters of the All Progressives Congress and Nigeria Democratic Congress in Uvwie Local Government Area of the state.
The Command, in a statement signed by its Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, on Tuesday, said the man, identified as Collins Egbara, was rescued from an angry mob and taken to hospital after being beaten at Orumarho community in Effurun, Uvwie LGA.
According to Edafe, the police have not established Egbara’s political affiliation because he has been unable to make a statement due to his medical condition.
He said the AK-47 rifle was subsequently discovered during a search of the premises of an old building near where Egbara was rescued, stressing that reports that the firearm was handed over to the police by some individuals were false.
Edafe said, “Reports that the gun was handed over to the Police by some persons are false, as the ownership, possession and recovery of the gun is currently subject to an ongoing investigation.”
He explained that the Command had received intelligence on September 15 about a planned rally and the possibility of a clash between APC and NDC supporters.
He said efforts to contact the organisers initially proved abortive until September 17, when the Command received written notifications from supporters of both parties, less than 10 hours to the planned rally at Angle Park, Warri.
The police subsequently advised the organisers not to use Angle Park as the convergence point for the rally, following which the groups went their separate ways.
Edafe said the Commissioner of Police, Delta State, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, ordered the deployment of policemen to the proposed venue from about 5am on September 18 to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
He said tension during the rally later heightened, with the possibility of a clash between supporters of the two parties, prompting additional police deployment under “Operation Show of Force”, which eventually brought the situation under control.
According to him, at about 11:30am, police patrol teams conducting the operation noticed a group of irate youths mobbing Egbara close to an old building at Orumarho community.
He said the officers rescued Egbara from the mob and rushed him to hospital after he was beaten severely.
Edafe said a quick search of the premises of the building led to the discovery of the AK-47 rifle.
He added that Egbara remained under protective custody while receiving treatment, stressing that his statement would be obtained when his condition stabilised.
The PPRO said the investigation would determine the ownership and possession of the firearm and establish whether Egbara was connected to it.
“If found wanting and connected to the gun, he will be charged to court,” he said.
The Command also rejected allegations circulating on social media that the investigation was being compromised to secure the suspect’s release.
Edafe quoted the Commissioner of Police as assuring the public that the Command would not compromise the investigation, while urging the media to verify information through appropriate channels before publication.
The CP also appealed to political parties, supporters and campaign organisers to notify the police well ahead of rallies and other political activities to enable adequate security arrangements and prevent a breakdown of law and order.
The Command urged anyone with useful information that could assist the investigation to contact the Police Public Relations Office on 09155570008 or 09155570007.
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