The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 27-year-old man in connection with an attack on the convoy of Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi in Calabar.
The suspect, identified as Victor Edet Yellow Duke, was detained after suspected hoodlums attacked the convoy around Watt Market Roundabout on Wednesday, November 4, according to a statement by Police Public Relations Officer ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata.
The incident occurred at about 2:20 p.m. as Obi’s convoy returned from the palace of the Obong of Calabar and headed to Metropolitan Hotel, the venue of the party’s presidential town hall meeting.
Police said the suspected attackers, armed with machetes and sticks, emerged from the Calabar Road and Clerks Alley axis and smashed the windshields of vehicles in the convoy. The exact number of vehicles affected has not yet been established.
Officers deployed in the area responded and used tear gas to contain the situation, leading to the arrest of the 27-year-old while other alleged attackers fled. The suspect was transferred to the State Police Headquarters by the Violent Crime Response Unit for investigation.
Commissioner of Police Ajo Geoffrey Ordue has directed a thorough probe to identify and arrest other persons who may have taken part and to establish the full circumstances of the incident.
The command stressed that the arrest does not amount to a determination of guilt, noting that the suspect remains entitled to the presumption of innocence pending the conclusion of investigations and any judicial proceedings.
Cross River Governor Bassey Otu condemned the attack, describing it as unacceptable and contrary to the state’s reputation for peace and hospitality. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Linus Obogo, the governor expressed sympathy to Obi and his entourage and directed security agencies to leave no stone unturned in bringing those responsible to justice.
The NDC also condemned the incident, stating that no member of Obi’s delegation was injured. The party called for the investigation and prosecution of those involved, describing the attack as a threat to democratic participation.
