The convoy of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and supporters of the party came under attack on Wednesday in Calabar, Cross River State, leaving several people injured and vehicles damaged.
The incident occurred shortly after Obi arrived in the state capital for the party’s presidential town hall meeting scheduled to hold at Metropolitan Hotel.
The convoy was moving through the city amid cheers from supporters when suspected political thugs reportedly ambushed the procession around the popular Watt Market area, throwing stones, bottles and other dangerous objects at vehicles and party supporters.
The attack caused panic in the area as supporters fled for safety, while vehicular movement and commercial activities were temporarily disrupted.
Several NDC supporters reportedly sustained varying degrees of injuries, while some vehicles and other valuables were damaged during the incident.
Officers of the Cross River State Police Command intervened, dispersing the attackers and restoring order. The police also arrested a 27-year-old suspect in connection with the incident.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, confirmed the arrest in a statement made available to journalists in Calabar.
He identified the suspect as Victor Edet Yellow-Duke and said investigations had commenced to identify other individuals involved in the attack and establish their possible sponsors.
“NDC supporters under heavy attack in Watt Market. The police have made an arrest to this effect. The suspect’s name is Victor Edet Yellow Duke, male, 27 years,” Eitokpah said.
The police spokesman assured residents that normalcy had returned to the affected area, adding that security had been strengthened at strategic locations across the metropolis to prevent further disturbances.
Despite the incident, Obi proceeded to the Metropolitan Hotel for the town hall meeting, where he was expected to engage party supporters and other stakeholders on his political agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections.
