The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 27-year-old suspected hoodlum, identified as Victor Edet Yellow Duke, in connection with the alleged attack on the convoy of Mr Peter Obi, Presidential Candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), His Excellency, Peter Obi.
The incident happened on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, along Watt Market Roundabout axis in Calabar, Cross River State capital.
The attack reportedly resulted in damage to the windshields of some vehicles in the convoy.
According to a statement by ASP Sunday Eitokpah, Police Public Relations Officer on behalf of the Command’s Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, on Wednesday, “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.
“At the Watt Market Roundabout, a group of suspected hoodlums, reportedly armed with machetes and sticks, emerged from the Calabar Road and Clerks Alley axis and attacked vehicles within the convoy, smashing their windshields. The exact number of vehicles affected is yet to be ascertained,” the statement read in part.
It added, “Police personnel deployed around the area responded swiftly to contain the situation. The intervention, which included the deployment of tear gas, led to the arrest of the suspect, while other suspected attackers fled the scene.
“The arrested suspect was subsequently moved 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. Normalcy has since been restored in the area.”
The statement said the CP 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 emphasises 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 investigation and any subsequent judicial proceedings.
“The Command assures 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 reiterates its commitment to providing equal security protection to all political parties, candidates and their supporters, irrespective of political affiliation, while urging members of the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and promptly report suspicious activities through established Police communication channels.
“The Cross River State Police Command remains committed to maintaining public safety, protecting democratic participation and ensuring that all lawful political activities are conducted in a peaceful and secure environment,” it added.
Converseer reports that this is the second time opposition parties and their convoys have been attacked in Calabar under the APC-led government. The first was Arthur Jarvis Archibong, the PDP Governorship candidate in the state.
