The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 27-year-old man following an attack on the convoy of Peter Obi in Calabar, the state capital. The incident occurred on Wednesday, November 4, when suspected hoodlums reportedly attacked vehicles in the politician’s convoy as he returned from a visit to the Obong of Calabar.
Police identified the arrested suspect as Victor Edet Yellow Duke and confirmed that officers had begun investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. However, authorities are still working to identify other individuals who allegedly participated in the attack.
The development comes as Obi continues his political engagements across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections. It has also brought renewed attention to security arrangements for political figures and their supporters during public activities.
According to the police, the Peter Obi convoy attack happened at approximately 2:20 p.m. around Watt Market Roundabout. Obi’s entourage was travelling from the palace of the Obong of Calabar to Metropolitan Hotel, where the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) had scheduled a presidential town hall meeting.
How the Attack on Peter Obi’s Convoy Happened
In a statement released by the Cross River State Police Command, the police spokesperson, Eitokpah Akata, explained that a group of suspected hoodlums emerged from the Calabar Road and Clerks Alley axis near Watt Market Roundabout.
The group reportedly carried machetes and sticks before approaching vehicles within the convoy and smashing their windscreens. Although the attackers damaged several vehicles, the police said they had yet to establish the exact number affected.
Furthermore, police personnel deployed around the area responded to contain the situation and prevent further violence. Officers reportedly used tear gas to disperse the attackers, while some individuals fled the scene during the intervention.
The police subsequently arrested Victor Edet Yellow Duke, 27, and transferred him to the State Police Headquarters. Operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit took charge of the suspect for further investigation.
According to the command, officers moved him to the headquarters to prevent possible reprisals and avoid another breakdown of law and order in the area. The police also confirmed that normal activities had returned to the affected location.
Police Expand Investigation After Arrest
Following the Peter Obi convoy attack, the Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, directed officers to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
The directive requires investigators to identify and apprehend other individuals who may have participated in the attack. Police officers must also establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the extent of the damage.
Meanwhile, the command has cautioned the public against treating the arrested suspect as guilty before the investigation and any subsequent court proceedings conclude.
The police stressed that an arrest does not establish criminal responsibility. Therefore, Victor Edet Yellow Duke remains entitled to the presumption of innocence under Nigerian law.
The command also assured residents, political stakeholders and visitors that it would maintain adequate security across the state. It further pledged to protect political parties, candidates and their supporters without discrimination based on political affiliation.
Incident Raises Questions About Political Security Ahead of 2027
Peter Obi was in Calabar as part of his nationwide political engagements ahead of the next general elections. His visit included a meeting with the Obong of Calabar and a scheduled town hall meeting at Metropolitan Hotel.
However, the attack on his convoy has drawn attention to the security challenges that political figures may encounter while travelling for public engagements.
As political activities increase ahead of 2027, security agencies will face greater responsibility to protect candidates, party supporters and members of the public during political gatherings. They must also ensure that political disagreements do not result in violence or prevent candidates from carrying out lawful activities.
Nevertheless, investigators have not established whether the Calabar incident had a political motive or involved any organised group. The police investigation will need to provide further details before anyone can draw conclusions about the reasons behind the attack.
For now, the arrest of one suspect marks an initial development in the investigation, while the police continue efforts to locate other alleged participants and establish what happened.
The outcome of the investigation will provide further information about those responsible and whether additional arrests will follow.
