Governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, in Delta State, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, has accused the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, of sponsoring thugs who attempted to prevent him and his supporters from accessing a community town hall.

The NDC candidate alleged that the visit was nearly disrupted by persons he described as thugs.

He vowed that no act of intimidation or political violence would derail his campaign from offering what he described as a credible alternative for the state.

While commending his supporters for maintaining peace and exercising restraint despite what he described as provocation, he said their discipline prevented the situation from degenerating into violence.

Condemning the alleged incident, Iyovwaye insisted that intimidation and political violence have no place in a democratic society and called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to ensure that all political parties are allowed to freely engage with the electorate without harassment.

He also urged the Inspector-General of Police, the Commissioner of Police in Delta state and the Director of the Department of State Services, DSS, in the state to investigate the alleged attack and bring those responsible to justice.

“Democracy cannot flourish where political opponents are attacked simply for meeting with their own people,” he said.

Reiterating the NDC’s campaign message, Iyovwaye said his party remained focused on delivering good governance, practical solutions and people-oriented leadership capable of addressing the challenges confronting Delta State.

He urged the ruling APC in the state to concentrate on issues affecting the welfare and development of the people rather than engaging in acts capable of undermining the democratic process.

The NDC governorship candidate stressed that although “no one has a monopoly on violence,” his party would continue to pursue its political activities peacefully and within the ambit of the law.

He maintained that the NDC’s vision is anchored on restoring hope, strengthening governance and rebuilding public confidence in leadership.

“As we move across the state, our message remains clear: together, we will Reset Delta,” Iyovwaye declared.

The APC had not responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.

Gunmen on Saturday night attacked Wereng-camp and Kum villages in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing nine members of the family of 40-year-old Pam Yohanna, who also sustained life-threatening injuries.

The attack began at about 11:00 p.m. on Saturday and lasted for more than an hour into the early hours of Sunday, according to a statement sent to the Peoples Gazette by Rwang Tengwong, the spokesman for the Berom Youth Moulders Association.

Mr Tengwong alleged that armed bandits from the Fass area around the Jol community carried out the attack.

He identified the victims as Celina James, 38; Yohanna James, 21; Janet Yohanna, 18; three-month-old Jennifer Yohanna; Sele James, 18; Melody James, 16; Reto James, 10; Endurance James, 8; and Peace James, 3.

According to him, this latest massacre is yet another painful reminder of the recurring attacks that continue to claim the lives of innocent civilians across Plateau State and other parts of North-Central Nigeria. 

“Entire families have been wiped out, villages repeatedly invaded, homes destroyed, and thousands of residents displaced from their ancestral communities,” he said.

The group expressed deep concern over the sustained pattern of violent attacks targeting predominantly Christian farming communities. 

“The frequency of these attacks, the scale of civilian casualties, and the destruction of homes and livelihoods underscore the urgent need for stronger protection of vulnerable communities and meaningful accountability for those responsible.

“We call on the federal government of Nigeria to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities, dismantle terrorist hideouts, apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of these attacks, and ensure justice for victims and their families,” he added.

The group further urged the government to provide adequate humanitarian assistance and support for displaced persons whose lives have been devastated by the violence.

Mr Tengwong said the continued bloodshed in Plateau State must not be ignored, adding that innocent men, women and children deserve protection, justice and lasting peace.

The Plateau State police spokesman, Alfred Alabo, was not available for comment. SMS sent to him remained unanswered as of press time.