Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has raised concerns over an alleged attack on businesses and political campaign materials in his hometown of Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
Keyamo claimed that individuals he identified as supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) invaded the community, allegedly ransacked commercial outlets and damaged campaign billboards displayed across the area.
The minister disclosed this in a statement posted on his X account on Sunday, September 20, 2026, where he said the incident occurred two days earlier, on Friday, September 18.
Keyamo said he decided to draw public attention to the incident after what he described as an attack carried out by political thugs within his community.
He alleged that the assailants targeted several billboards erected by Tompolo’s Door-to-Door Campaign Organisation, damaging campaign materials placed at different locations in Effurun.
According to him, the alleged attackers also forced their way into business premises while carrying weapons and proceeded to take goods and other items from the shops.
The minister expressed dissatisfaction with what he considered a lack of public outrage over the incident, arguing that similar reactions would have followed if the victims had been associated with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Keyamo questioned what he described as selective condemnation of political violence, saying some media organisations and civil society groups would have reacted more strongly if APC supporters had suffered a similar incident.
He wrote that the response from sections of the media and groups describing themselves as human rights organisations would have been significantly louder had the situation involved members of the ruling party.
The aviation minister also drew a comparison between the Delta incident and the recent controversy surrounding the movement of Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s convoy in Benue State.
Keyamo recalled that he had publicly criticised the reported obstruction of Obi’s entourage, but maintained that the alleged destruction and looting in Effurun was considerably more serious.
He further claimed that the attackers did not act alone, alleging that certain security personnel were present during the incident and were connected to those responsible.
According to Keyamo, video recordings and other materials available to him would provide evidence of what transpired in the community.
He stated that additional evidence was available and alleged that some of the law enforcement personnel accompanying the suspected attackers were financially linked to them.
However, Keyamo urged his supporters and residents who may have been affected by the incident to avoid retaliatory action.
He said he had instructed those around him not to take matters into their own hands, stressing the need for the appropriate authorities to handle the matter.
The minister disclosed that he plans to forward a formal complaint to the Inspector-General of Police during the week.
He said the petition would request a thorough investigation into the incident, including the identities and activities of those allegedly involved.
Keyamo added that he expected the police to establish what happened, identify individuals responsible for any offences and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the appropriate legal consequences.
The allegations have not been independently established in the account provided, and Keyamo’s claims regarding the identity and involvement of the alleged attackers remain allegations pending investigation by the relevant authorities.
