Otu condemns attack on Peter Obi’s convoy, orders arrest of perpetrators

Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has strongly condemned the attack on the convoy of presidential candidate Peter Obi, directing security forces to apprehend those responsible. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon near Watt Market Roundabout, where Obi's convoy was returning from the Obong of Calabar's palace to the venue of the NDC presidential town hall meeting.

The attackers hurled stones at the vehicles, smashing windshields and causing panic among supporters, alleging some had machetes and other dangerous weapons.

Governor Otu, through his Chief Press Secretary Linus Obogo, called the incident disturbing and inconsistent with Cross River State's values of peace and mutual respect, expressing sympathy with Obi and his entourage. He stressed the state's stance against any attempt to intimidate political figures or infringe upon their constitutional rights to campaign and interact with voters.

Otu vowed that his administration would not tolerate political violence or criminality, regardless of the political affiliations of those involved, warning that anyone found guilty would face the full force of the law.

Obi confirmed the attack, alleging that the assailants were members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and cautioned against allowing political violence to undermine the 2027 general elections. The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that officers responded with tear gas to disperse the attackers.

A 27-year-old suspect, Victor Edet Yellow Duke, has been arrested and transferred to the State Police Headquarters for investigation. Commissioner of Police Ajo Geoffrey Ordue has ordered a comprehensive investigation to apprehend the remaining suspects and establish the full circumstances of the incident, assuring political parties and their supporters of equal security protection, irrespective of their political affiliation.