Police launch investigation into deadly clash during an Obidient/OK Movement procession in Asaba as Peter Obi condemns the attack and demands a thorough probe to bring those responsible to justice.

A political rally organised by supporters of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi turned violent in Asaba, Delta State, on Saturday, leaving one person dead and five others injured.

The incident occurred at about 12:15 pm along Nnebisi Road during a procession organised by the Obedient/OK Movement in support of Obi, who is the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

The Delta State Police Command confirmed the casualties, stating that one person lost their life while five others sustained injuries of varying degrees. The identities of the victims had yet to be established as of the time of the report.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the command's Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the police disclosed that they had received intelligence indicating a possible outbreak of violence ahead of the rally.

According to the command, the organisers were subsequently invited to a security meeting, where they were briefed about the potential threats and advised against conducting an open-road procession.

The police said they also recommended that the political activity be moved to a designated venue where adequate security arrangements could be provided.

However, the command alleged that the organisers ignored the security advice and proceeded with the procession.

Following the outbreak of violence, police operatives reportedly responded to a distress call, mobilised to the scene and evacuated injured victims to a hospital for medical attention.

The command added that security had been reinforced in the affected area to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

It also confirmed that an investigation had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.

Reacting to the development, Peter Obi expressed sadness and outrage over reports of attacks on members and coordinators of the NDC and the Obidient Movement in Delta State.

In a statement, the former Anambra State governor described the incident as deeply disturbing and condemned the violence, insisting that political disagreements should never result in the loss of innocent lives.

"Political violence has no place in a democracy and can never be justified. No political aspiration is worth the life of a Nigerian," Obi said.

He called on the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to immediately conduct a comprehensive investigation, identify those behind the violence and ensure they are brought to justice, regardless of their political affiliations.

The NDC presidential candidate stressed that those responsible must be held accountable, warning against the use of violence as a weapon in Nigeria's democratic process.

Meanwhile, the Delta State Police Command reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and public safety, assuring residents that its investigation would establish what happened and bring those involved to account.

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