Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has alleged that thugs linked to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) attacked his community in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, on Friday, September 18, 2026. He claimed the attackers destroyed campaign materials supporting President Bola Tinubu and looted shops belonging to residents. Keyamo made the allegation in a post on his X account on Sunday night, attaching a video that appears to show individuals wearing Obi-Kwankwaso movement attire moving through a street and damaging property. A narrator in the video, identified as Aproko King, stated that NDC-affiliated thugs, escorted by security agents, carried out the rampage.
Keyamo described the incident as more severe than the earlier blockade of Peter Obi's entourage in Benue State, which he had publicly criticized. He accused sections of the press and human rights groups of silence over the Effurun attack, contrasting it with what he called their likely loud response if the APC were the target. He asserted that law enforcement agents were present and appeared to condone the actions of the alleged NDC thugs. As the self-described foremost political leader in the community, Keyamo said he would not allow the matter to pass without action. He disclosed plans to file a petition with Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu for a full investigation, urging against self-help while emphasizing that disciplinary measures should follow for any complicit security personnel.
Keyamo condemns violence against Tinubu's campaign materials while referencing his prior criticism of Obi's Benue blockade, yet frames only one incident as part of a broader pattern of bias. The minister's call for police action hinges on video evidence and narration that have not been independently verified, leaving the public to assess claims tied to political rivalry. If security agents were complicit, as alleged, their involvement raises questions about neutrality in pre-election tensions.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
