The Delta State Government has ordered security agencies to investigate the violence that broke out in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, on Friday, 18 September 2026, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) accuse each other of sponsoring the thugs involved.
The unrest happened during the NDC’s “One Million-Man March” for its candidates, led by the party’s governorship candidate, Chris Iyovwaye. Videos shared widely on social media, including the one below, show young men armed with sticks and planks on the Effurun–Sapele Road around PTI Junction, disrupting traffic and forcing traders to shut their shops.
The NDC says its march was attacked at several points, including Ugborikoko, Jakpa Road and Urhuomarho. Its Delta Central senatorial candidate and former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, condemned what he called an unprovoked attack, said more than 100 people were injured, and held Governor Sheriff Oborevwori responsible as the state’s chief security officer (The Sun). The party also said its supporters disarmed a man carrying an AK-47 rifle and handed him over to the police.
The APC tells a different story. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, accused NDC supporters of looting shops and destroying APC campaign billboards in Effurun, and said he would petition the Inspector-General of Police (Naija News). Some Uvwie residents and APC stakeholders also alleged that the road blockade was staged by NDC supporters to draw public sympathy. That claim has not been independently verified.
Speaking for the state government, the Commissioner for Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, said the governor had directed security agencies to investigate the incident thoroughly and prosecute anyone found culpable, adding that the government has “a zero-tolerance policy towards political violence” (ThisDay).
Police said an AK-47 rifle was recovered during the unrest after officers intervened in a mob attack on a man, who remains in protective custody receiving treatment. They said his link to the firearm is still under investigation. Police also said they received less than 10 hours’ notice of the rally and warned parties against late notification (The Trumpet).
Read also: Uvwie Deserves Answers, Not Blame (Opinion)
This report was updated on 26 September 2026 to include the accounts of the NDC, the APC, the Delta State Government and the police.
Top photo: NDC and APC flags (ThisDay).
