Cross River Police say hoodlums armed with machetes and sticks smashed vehicle windshields during an attack on the NDC presidential candidate’s convoy, as authorities launch a manhunt for other suspects.

The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a 27-year-old man, identified as Victor Edet Yellow Duke, over an alleged attack on the convoy of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Calabar.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, around Watt Market Roundabout, along the Calabar Road axis of the state capital, as Obi’s convoy was returning from the palace of the Obong of Calabar.

The former Anambra State governor was reportedly on his way to Metropolitan Hotel, where the NDC had scheduled a presidential town hall meeting, when the convoy came under attack.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, the incident happened at approximately 2:20 p.m. when suspected hoodlums emerged from the Calabar Road and Clerks Alley axis and attacked vehicles in the convoy.

The attackers were reportedly armed with dangerous weapons, including machetes and sticks. They allegedly smashed the windshields of some vehicles, although the police said the exact number of vehicles damaged was yet to be determined.

Security operatives subsequently intervened, leading to the arrest of Victor Edet Yellow Duke, while other suspected attackers reportedly escaped from the scene.

The arrested suspect was later transferred to the State Police Headquarters by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) for discreet investigation.

The police explained that the transfer was also intended to prevent possible reprisals and avert any further breakdown of law and order.

The Command confirmed that normalcy had returned to the affected area following the intervention of security personnel.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

He directed officers to identify, track down and arrest all other individuals suspected to have participated in the attack, assuring residents that the matter would be thoroughly investigated.

The police, however, cautioned against treating the arrested individual as guilty, stressing that his arrest does not amount to a conviction.

According to the Command, the suspect remains entitled to the presumption of innocence until investigations are concluded and the matter is determined through the appropriate judicial process.

The police also reassured residents, political leaders, party supporters and visitors that adequate security arrangements had been put in place across the state.

The Command further emphasised that all political parties, candidates and their supporters would receive equal protection, regardless of their political affiliations, as political activities continue in the state.

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