From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 27-year-old suspect, Victor Edet Yellow Duke, in connection with the alleged attack on the convoy of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, along the Watt Market Roundabout axis of Calabar on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
The alleged attack reportedly resulted in damage to the windshields of some vehicles in the convoy.
In a statement issued to journalists in Calabar, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpha Akata, said the incident occurred at about 2:20 p.m. as the candidate’s convoy was returning from the palace of the Obong of Calabar en route to Metropolitan Hotel, the venue of the party’s presidential town hall meeting.
According to the statement, a group of suspected hoodlums, reportedly armed with machetes and sticks, emerged from the Calabar Road and Clerks Alley axis at the Watt Market Roundabout and attacked vehicles in the convoy, smashing their windshields.
The exact number of vehicles affected is yet to be ascertained.
Police personnel deployed in the area responded swiftly to contain the situation. Their intervention, which included the use of tear gas, led to the arrest of the suspect, while other suspected attackers fled the scene.
The arrested suspect was subsequently taken to the State Police Headquarters by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) for discreet investigation and to prevent any possible reprisal or further breakdown of law and order.
The police said normalcy had since been restored in the area.
The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has directed a thorough investigation to identify and apprehend other persons who may have participated in the attack and establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Command emphasised that the arrest of a suspect does not amount to a determination of guilt, as the suspect remains entitled to the presumption of innocence pending the conclusion of the investigation and any subsequent judicial proceedings.
The Command assured residents, political stakeholders and visitors that adequate security measures remain in place to protect lives and property and guarantee the peaceful conduct of lawful political activities across the state.
It reiterated its commitment to providing equal security protection to all political parties, candidates and their supporters, irrespective of political affiliation.
The police also urged members of the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and promptly report suspicious activities through established police communication channels.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining public safety, protecting democratic participation and ensuring that all lawful political activities are conducted in a peaceful and secure environment.