The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has said he will petition the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over the alleged destruction and looting of properties during a political confrontation in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
Keyamo disclosed this in a post on his X handle on Sunday, following the confrontation which occurred on Friday, September 18, during a mobilisation march by supporters of the New Democratic Congress (NDC).
The minister said the petition would seek an investigation into the alleged use of thugs and the destruction of properties during the incident.
He added that the petition would not be restricted to members of the NDC, stressing that any leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) found to have crossed the line should also face the consequences.
Keyamo also called for disciplinary action against law-enforcement agents who were allegedly present at the scene and condoned the destruction and looting.
According to him, the incident involved the destruction of billboards associated with the Tompolo Door-to-Door Campaign Organisation, as well as the alleged invasion and looting of shops by individuals carrying dangerous weapons.
He further alleged that some law-enforcement personnel accompanied those involved in the incident and failed to prevent the alleged destruction and looting.
The minister, however, said he had warned his supporters against resorting to self-help, urging that the matter be addressed through lawful channels.
The confrontation occurred during an NDC mobilisation march in Effurun, where supporters of the party were participating in a “One Million March” for its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reports said the march was taking place around Airport Road when a confrontation broke out between campaigners and another group.
Videos circulating online showed a chaotic scene involving people wearing NDC-branded clothing and others carrying what appeared to be sticks.
However, reports have differed over the identities and affiliations of those involved, while allegations over who initiated the confrontation have not been independently established.
The Delta State Government subsequently directed security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the law.
The government also reaffirmed the right of political parties, candidates and their supporters to campaign freely and peacefully across the state, provided their activities remain within the law.
At the time of the initial reports, the Delta State Police Command had not issued a detailed official statement on the confrontation.
