Keyamo to petition IGP over alleged looting, vandalism

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, says he will petition the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, over alleged looting and destruction of property during a political confrontation in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.

Keyamo disclosed this in a statement posted on his X account on Sunday, following the incident during a mobilisation march by supporters of the New Democratic Congress on Friday, September 18.

The minister said the petition would seek a probe into the alleged involvement of thugs and the destruction of property during the confrontation.

He said the investigation should not be limited to members of the NDC, adding that APC leaders or supporters found to have participated in any unlawful activity should also face the consequences.

Keyamo also called for disciplinary action against law-enforcement personnel who were allegedly at the scene but failed to stop the destruction and looting.

According to him, billboards belonging to the Tompolo Door-to-Door Campaign Organisation were destroyed, while some shops were allegedly invaded and looted by people carrying dangerous weapons.

He further alleged that some security personnel accompanied those involved in the incident and failed to prevent the alleged attacks.

Keyamo, however, said he had advised his supporters against taking the law into their own hands, insisting that the matter should be addressed through lawful means.

The confrontation reportedly occurred during an NDC “One Million March” in Effurun in support of the party’s candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The march was underway along Airport Road when a confrontation reportedly broke out between campaigners and another group.

Videos circulated on social media showed a chaotic scene involving people dressed in NDC-branded clothing and others carrying objects resembling sticks.

However, accounts of the incident have differed, including over the identities and political affiliations of those involved and who triggered the confrontation.

The Delta State Government subsequently directed security agencies to investigate the incident and prosecute anyone found culpable.

The government also reaffirmed the right of political parties, candidates and their supporters to campaign peacefully across the state, provided they comply with the law.

The Delta State Police Command had yet to issue a detailed statement on the incident as of the time of the initial reports.