Cross River State Governor Orders Arrests Over Peter Obi Convoy Attack

Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has condemned the attack on Peter Obi's convoy in Calabar, expressing sympathy with the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate and members of his entourage. In a statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Linus Obogo, Otu vowed to protect the right of political actors to campaign and engage voters peacefully. He warned that those responsible for violence would face prosecution regardless of their political affiliations.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, 4 November, at about 2.20 p.m. around Watt Market Roundabout, where Obi's convoy was travelling from the palace of the Obong of Calabar to Metropolitan Hotel. According to police reports, men carrying machetes and sticks emerged from the Calabar Road and Clerks Alley area and attacked vehicles in the convoy, causing damage to some windscreens.

Obi accused supporters of the All Progressives Congress of responsibility for the attack and warned against allowing violence to disrupt the 2027 elections. However, investigators had not established the attackers' political affiliations. The Cross River State Government subsequently denied APC involvement, with Commissioner for Information and Orientation Ekpenyong Ene Cobham challenging those making the allegation to provide evidence.

The police command reported that officers deployed tear gas to disperse the attackers and arrested Victor Edet Yellow Duke, 27, while other suspected participants escaped. Duke was transferred to the State Police Headquarters for investigation to prevent reprisals and further disturbances. Commissioner of Police Ajo Geoffrey Ordue ordered investigators to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack and identify other people involved.

Governor Otu instructed security agencies to pursue everyone involved in the attack, emphasizing that intimidation and criminal conduct had no place in political activities in the state. He directed the agencies to identify and arrest those responsible, assuring that his administration would protect the right of political actors to campaign peacefully.

The police command assured political parties and their supporters that officers would provide equal security protection irrespective of political affiliation. The command also cautioned that the arrest of Duke did not establish his guilt, stressing that he remained entitled to the presumption of innocence while investigations and any subsequent court proceedings continued.

Order has returned to the affected area, with the police command ensuring that security measures are in place to prevent further incidents. The incident highlights the need for peaceful political activities in the state, with Governor Otu's administration committed to protecting the rights of all political actors.

Key points

• Governor Bassey Otu has directed security agencies to identify and arrest those responsible for attacking Peter Obi's convoy in Calabar.
• The incident occurred on Wednesday, 4 November, at about 2.20 p.m. around Watt Market Roundabout.
• The police command has assured political parties and their supporters of equal security protection irrespective of political affiliation.