The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 27-year-old man, Victor Edet Yellow Duke, in connection with an attack on the convoy of former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Calabar.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at about 2:20 p.m. around Watt Market Roundabout, where suspected hoodlums reportedly attacked vehicles in Obi’s convoy, damaging the windshields of some of them.
The attack happened as the convoy was returning from the palace of the Obong of Calabar to the Metropolitan Hotel, where Obi was scheduled to attend the party’s presidential town hall meeting.
According to the police, the attackers, armed with machetes and sticks, emerged from the Calabar Road and Clerks Alley axis before smashing the windshields of vehicles in the convoy.
The exact number of vehicles affected had yet to be confirmed.
Police operatives in the area responded by deploying tear gas to disperse the attackers, leading to the arrest of one suspect, while others reportedly escaped.
The arrested man was subsequently taken to the State Police Headquarters by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit for investigation and to prevent possible reprisals.
The Commissioner of Police, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has ordered a comprehensive investigation to identify and arrest other individuals involved in the incident and determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The Command said normalcy had been restored, assuring residents, political stakeholders and visitors that adequate security arrangements were in place to protect lives and property across the state.
It also emphasised that the arrest of the suspect did not establish his guilt, noting that he remained entitled to the presumption of innocence until investigations and any subsequent court proceedings were concluded.
Meanwhile, Obi proceeded with the town hall meeting despite the attack, using the occasion to outline his plans for tackling insecurity, kidnapping and corruption if elected president.
He identified national unity as a major requirement for addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, arguing that divisions within the country had weakened its ability to confront threats effectively.
Obi also vowed to pursue kidnappers and those responsible for attacks on schoolchildren, insisting that his administration would take the fight directly to criminal hideouts.
On corruption, the NDC presidential candidate promised to ensure that public funds were used for the benefit of citizens rather than personal enrichment.
He further pledged greater investment in education and healthcare, describing both sectors as essential to national development and improved living conditions.
Obi said the town hall meeting was designed to give residents the opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns and freely express their views on issues affecting their communities.
He described his political platform as an alternative approach to governance, built around accountability, shared responsibility and national transformation.
