The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 27-year-old man, identified as Victor Edet Yellow Duke, in connection with the alleged attack on the convoy of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Calabar on Wednesday. The incident reportedly left the windshields of some vehicles in the convoy damaged.
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Key Highlights
- Police arrested 27-year-old Victor Edet Yellow Duke over the alleged attack.
- The incident occurred around 2:20 p.m. near Watt Market Roundabout in Calabar.
- Suspected hoodlums reportedly armed with machetes and sticks attacked vehicles in Obi’s convoy.
- Police deployed tear gas to disperse the attackers, while other suspects fled.
- The Commissioner of Police has ordered a thorough investigation to identify other people involved.
Hoodlums Attack Peter Obi’s Convoy in Calabar
According to the police, the incident occurred at about 2:20 p.m. as Obi’s convoy returned from the palace of the Obong of Calabar and headed towards Metropolitan Hotel, the venue of the party’s presidential town hall meeting.
The attackers reportedly emerged from the Calabar Road and Clerks Alley axis around Watt Market Roundabout.
Armed with machetes and sticks, the suspected hoodlums allegedly attacked vehicles within the convoy and smashed some of their windshields.
Police personnel deployed in the area responded to contain the situation. Their intervention included the use of tear gas, which helped disperse the attackers and led to the arrest of one suspect.
Other suspected participants reportedly fled the scene.
Police Begin Investigation, Warn Against Reprisal
The arrested suspect was subsequently taken to the State Police Headquarters by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) for discreet investigation.
The police said the transfer was also intended to prevent possible reprisal attacks or any further breakdown of law and order.
The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has directed a thorough investigation to identify and apprehend other persons who may have participated in the incident.
The command also said the investigation would establish the full circumstances surrounding the attack.
It stressed that the arrest of a suspect does not establish guilt, noting that the suspect remains entitled to the presumption of innocence pending the conclusion of investigations and any subsequent judicial proceedings.
Read also:
- Thugs Disrupt Obi’s Visit To Cross River, Attack Convoy
- Obi Failed Anambra In 8 Years, Can’t Fix Nigeria In 4 Years — Oshiomhole
Police Assure Political Parties of Equal Protection
The command assured residents, political stakeholders and visitors that adequate security measures remain in place to protect lives and property and ensure 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 circulating unverified information and report suspicious activities through established police communication channels.
The statement was issued by the Cross River State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata.
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