CALABAR:  The Cross River State Police Command has taken a 27-year-old man, Victor Edet Yellow Duke, into custody following an attack on the presidential convoy of Nigeria Democratic Congress candidate Peter Obi. 

The incident took place around 2:20 p.m. near the Watt Market Roundabout on Calabar Road. Obi’s convoy was traveling back from the palace of the Obong of Calabar toward the Metropolitan Hotel for a scheduled party town hall meeting when the disruption occurred.

According to ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, the Police Public Relations Officer, a group of suspected hoodlums armed with machetes and sticks emerged from adjacent streets and targeted the vehicles. The attackers shattered the windshields of multiple vehicles before security personnel on the scene intervened, scattering the crowd and apprehending Duke. The remaining suspects managed to escape.

Following his arrest, the Violent Crime Response Unit transferred Duke to the State Police Headquarters. Authorities initiated a discreet investigation to prevent potential reprisals and maintain public order, confirming that the area has since returned to normal.

Cross River State Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has ordered a comprehensive inquiry to track down and arrest all remaining participants in the assault.

Emphasizing due process, police officials noted that the arrest does not presume guilt and that the suspect maintains the legal right to a presumption of innocence until investigations and any subsequent judicial proceedings are concluded.

The Command concluded by reassuring residents, visitors, and political stakeholders of robust security measures throughout the state, pledging impartial protection for all candidates, parties, and supporters regardless of political affiliation.