The convoy of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), came under attack by suspected political thugs in Calabar, Cross River State, on Wednesday, leaving several supporters injured and vehicles damaged.
The attack occurred shortly after Obi arrived in the state capital for the party’s presidential town hall meeting at the Metropolitan Hotel.
The assailants reportedly ambushed the convoy around the popular Watt Market area, pelting vehicles and supporters with stones, bottles and other dangerous objects.
The incident triggered panic as supporters scampered for safety, disrupting commercial activities and vehicular movement in the area.
Several supporters sustained varying degrees of injuries, while some vehicles had their windscreens shattered.
Sunday Eitokpah, Police Public Relations Officer in Cross River State, confirmed the attack and the arrest of a 27-year-old suspect, identified as Victor Edet Yellow-Duke.
He said, ‘NDC supporters came under heavy attack at Watt Market. The police have made an arrest in connection with the incident.’
Eitokpah added that investigations had commenced to identify other suspects and those allegedly behind the attack, including their sponsors.
He assured residents that normalcy had been restored, adding that security had been strengthened at strategic locations across the metropolis to prevent a recurrence.
Despite the attack, Obi proceeded to the town hall meeting to address party supporters and stakeholders.