Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has condemned the attack on the convoy of the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr Peter Obi, in Calabar, directing security agencies to track down and arrest those responsible.
Obi’s convoy was attacked by suspected political thugs on Wednesday afternoon around Watt Market Roundabout while returning from the palace of the Obong of Calabar to Metropolitan Hotel, venue of the NDC presidential town hall meeting.
The attackers reportedly hurled stones at vehicles in the convoy, smashing windshields and causing panic among supporters and members of the entourage. Obi also alleged that some of the assailants were armed with machetes and other dangerous weapons.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Linus Obogo, Governor Otu described the incident as disturbing and contrary to the values of peace and mutual respect associated with Cross River State.
He expressed sympathy with Obi and his entourage, stressing that the state would not tolerate any attempt to intimidate political actors or disrupt their constitutional right to campaign and engage with the electorate.
Otu warned that his administration would not condone political violence or criminality, regardless of the political affiliations of those involved.
He said he had directed security agencies to leave no stone unturned in identifying and apprehending all those behind the attack, assuring that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
Obi, who confirmed the incident, alleged that the attackers were members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and warned against allowing political violence to undermine the 2027 general elections.
The Cross River State Police Command also confirmed the attack, saying its personnel responded with tear gas to disperse the hoodlums. It disclosed that a 27-year-old suspect, Victor Edet Yellow Duke, had been arrested and transferred to the State Police Headquarters for investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has ordered a thorough investigation to apprehend other fleeing suspects and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The command assured political parties and their supporters of equal security protection, irrespective of political affiliation.