The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 27-year-old man over an attack on the convoy of Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Calabar, during which several vehicle windshields were smashed.

The suspect, identified as Victor Edet Yellow Duke, was apprehended on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, following an intervention by police officers after suspected hoodlums assaulted the convoy around Watt Market Roundabout.

According to a statement by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, the incident occurred at approximately 2:20 p.m. as Obi and his entourage were returning from the palace of the Obong of Calabar to Metropolitan Hotel, where the NDC presidential town hall meeting was scheduled to hold.

The police said the assailants, armed with machetes and sticks, emerged from the Calabar Road and Clerks Alley axis and attacked vehicles in the convoy, damaging their windshields. The number of vehicles affected has yet to be determined.

Security personnel stationed in the area moved in to disperse the attackers, deploying tear gas in the process. While one suspect was arrested, others reportedly escaped.

The apprehended individual was subsequently taken to the State Police Headquarters by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit for further investigation and to forestall possible reprisals or renewed violence. The police said the situation had been brought under control.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident, directing officers to identify and arrest other individuals involved and determine the circumstances surrounding the assault.

The Command also cautioned against treating the arrest as a declaration of guilt, noting that the suspect would enjoy the presumption of innocence until investigations are concluded and the matter is determined through the judicial process.

Meanwhile, Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has denounced the attack, describing it as unacceptable and inconsistent with the state’s reputation for peace, hospitality and harmonious coexistence.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Linus Obogo, the governor expressed concern over the incident and extended his sympathy to Obi and members of his entourage.

Otu reiterated his administration’s commitment to combating political violence and criminal activities, adding that he had instructed security agencies to identify those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice.

He further assured political parties and their candidates that the state would provide a secure atmosphere for legitimate political engagements, regardless of party affiliation.

The NDC also condemned the incident, describing it as an assault on democratic participation and demanding that those responsible be investigated and prosecuted.

In a statement signed by the spokesperson of its National Presidential Campaign Council, Dr. Chiogo Constance Ikokwu, the party confirmed that no member of Obi’s delegation sustained injuries during the attack.

The party also referenced an earlier incident in Benue State, where Obi’s convoy reportedly encountered a mob-induced roadblock along the Makurdi-Gboko Federal Highway, close to the Nigerian Air Force Base.

The NDC urged the Cross River State Government and relevant security agencies to take firm action, warning that failure to address political violence could encourage further attacks against political actors.

It stressed that intimidation and threats must not be allowed to hinder political participation, noting that violence against candidates and their supporters poses a threat to the democratic process.

The police command, however, assured residents, political parties, candidates and visitors of continued security across the state, reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring equal protection for all political stakeholders.