By Our Reporter
The Delta State Police Command has clarified the circumstances surrounding the recovery of an AK-47 rifle during a political disturbance involving supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.
The Command said the rifle was recovered from an old building in Orumarho community after its operatives rescued a man who was being attacked by a mob during the September 18 incident.
The clarification followed reports and social media claims concerning the circumstances of the rifle’s recovery and the alleged arrest of a suspect during the political rally.
According to the police, it received intelligence on September 15 about a planned rally involving APC and NDC supporters and the possibility of a clash between the two groups.
The Command said both political groups subsequently submitted written notifications of their planned activities on September 17, less than 10 hours before the proposed September 18 gathering at Angle Park, Warri.
Police authorities said the organisers were advised against using the park as a convergence point, after which the groups reportedly went their separate ways.
The Commissioner of Police, CP 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.
The Command said additional patrol teams operating under Operation Show of Force were later deployed as tension heightened, eventually bringing the situation under control.
However, at about 11:30am, police patrol teams reportedly noticed a group of youths attacking a man identified as Collins Egbara near an old building in Orumarho community, Effurun.
The police said officers intervened and rescued Egbara, who had been severely beaten, before taking him to a hospital for treatment.
The Command said it had not been able to establish whether Egbara was a member or supporter of either of the political parties because he had not been able to make a statement.
It added that a search of the premises where Egbara was found led to the discovery of an AK-47 rifle.
The police specifically denied reports that the firearm had been voluntarily handed over to officers by some individuals.
According to the Command, the ownership, possession and circumstances surrounding the recovery of the rifle remain subjects of investigation.
Egbara is currently under protective custody while receiving medical treatment. The police said his statement would be obtained when his condition improves.
The Command said the investigation would be concluded once the suspect is medically stable and that he would be charged to court if found to be connected with the firearm.
CP Erale assured the public that the investigation would not be compromised.
He also urged political parties and campaign organisers to notify the police well ahead of rallies and other political activities to enable adequate security arrangements.
The Command further appealed to members of the public with useful information concerning the incident to contact the Police Public Relations Office on 09155570008 or 09155570007.
The clarification comes amid continuing controversy over the September 18 disturbance involving APC and NDC supporters in parts of Warri and Uvwie.
The Delta State Government had earlier directed security agencies to investigate the incident and prosecute anyone found culpable.
The police clarification provides a different account of the circumstances surrounding the AK-47 from some of the claims circulating after the incident, while investigations into the ownership of the weapon and the circumstances of the mob attack remain ongoing.If you want, I can also make this , with more punchy and newspaper-like for Daily Review Online and a stronger opening paragraph.shorter paragraphs for web publication