Anaughe demands probe into alleged attacks on Omo-Agege’s campaign

Godwin Anaughe, Special Adviser on Strategy and Communications to Delta Central senatorial candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has urged security agencies to investigate and prosecute suspected thugs allegedly involved in attacks on Omo-Agege and his supporters, including the destruction of a campaign venue in Uvwie.

In a statement issued in Warri, Anaughe specifically named Emmanuel Erube as one of those allegedly involved, saying, “We're calling for an immediate investigation, in line with Nigerian law, into Emmanuel Erube and everyone alleged to have taken part in these attacks.” He added, “If the evidence points to criminal responsibility, those responsible should be prosecuted.”

Responding to comments by Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads and Public Information), Ehiedu Charles Aniagwu, during an interview, Anaughe alleged that armed men attacked Omo-Agege supporters during a ward-to-ward engagement in Usiefrun, Ughelli South LGA, on August 13, leaving six people injured, while on August 21, “more than 50 armed men allegedly stormed and destroyed the venue” prepared for a campaign meeting in Uvwie. He claimed witnesses identified Erube as the alleged leader and quoted him as threatening that Omo-Agege would be killed if he appeared for campaign activities in the area.

Anaughe said the allegations required investigation rather than political exchanges, stressing: “This isn't abstract. There are injured people, a wrecked venue, witnesses, and a named individual. These allegations deserve a real, impartial investigation, not a shrug.” 

He also dismissed Aniagwu’s claim that Omo-Agege “has no message”, saying the former Deputy Senate President had spent months engaging voters across Delta Central and presenting his programme “That's what a campaign is supposed to look like: ideas, engagement, and letting voters decide. Not violence. Not denial,” he said.

He further challenged the state government to account for what he described as more than ₦4 trillion reportedly received by Delta State under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, while also rejecting the use of the Emevor-Orogun road as a response to allegations of political violence. “Development and security aren't a trade-off. Deltans shouldn't have to accept one in place of the other,” Anaughe said.

Anaughe urged security agencies to investigate the alleged attacks and threats against Omo-Agege and determine whether anyone “directed, financed, or facilitated” them. He said Deltans “have a right to take part in politics without fear or intimidation” and deserve a government that takes political violence seriously “no matter which party it touches.” Omo-Agege had earlier accused Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of sending suspected armed thugs to destroy his campaign venue and attack his supporters in Effurun, Uvwie LGA, while calling on security agencies to hold the governor responsible if anything happened to him, his family or supporters.