The Delta State Police Command has clarified the circumstances surrounding the recovery of an AK-47 rifle amid heightened tension between supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Uvwie Local Government Area.

In a statement, the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the rifle was recovered from an old building in the Orumarho community, Effurun, after police rescued a man allegedly beaten by a mob during the September 18 political rally.

The clarification followed social media reports alleging that police arrested a suspect and recovered an AK-47 during the rally, with claims that some individuals were subsequently attempting to secure the suspect’s release.

Edafe said the police received intelligence on September 15 about the planned rally and the likelihood of a clash between supporters of the two parties.

He said the command later received written notifications from APC and NDC supporters on September 17, less than 10 hours before the rally scheduled for September 18 at Angle Park, Warri.

He said both groups were advised not to use Angle Park as their convergence point, after which they dispersed.

The command spokesman said the Commissioner of Police, Samuel Etaifo Erale, ordered the deployment of policemen to the proposed venue from 5am on September 18 to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

He added that rising tension during the rally prompted additional patrol teams under “Operation Show of Force”, which helped bring the situation under control.

Edafe said that at about 11:30am the same day, police patrol teams on show of force observed a group of youths mobbing a man, identified as Collins Egbara, near an old building in the Orumarho community.

The spokesman said Egbara had been severely beaten before officers rescued him from the mob and took him to hospital for treatment.

He said it had not established whether Egbara belonged to either of the political parties because he had not been able to make a statement.

He added that a search of the premises where he was rescued led to the discovery of an AK-47 rifle.

The police spokesman said Egbara remains under protective custody while receiving treatment.

He added that his statement would be obtained when he becomes medically stable.

Edafe also denied reports that the rifle was handed over to the police by unidentified persons, saying its ownership, possession and recovery remained subjects of investigation.

“If found wanting and connected to the gun, he will be charged to court,” the command said.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Samuel Etaifo Erale, assured the public that the investigation would not be compromised and urged the media to verify information with appropriate authorities before publication.

Erale also appealed to political parties and rally organisers to notify the police early about planned political activities to enable adequate security arrangements and prevent a breakdown of law and order. (The Nation)