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One suspect in custody over attack on convoy
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From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
Police and other security operatives on Wednesday averted a possible clash between hundreds of supporters of the Peter Obi/Rabiu Kwankwaso political movement and a group of APC supporters in Calabar, Cross River State.
The incident occurred as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) prepared to host a presidential town hall meeting featuring its presidential and vice-presidential candidates.
The NDC event, which was scheduled to hold at a prominent hotel along Murtala Muhammed Highway, coincided with a street rally by a support group of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), who had mobilised in large numbers close to the area.
The security operatives reportedly intervened to separate the groups, diverting the APC crowd, which included members of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and other party supporters.
Hundreds of Obi and Kwankwaso supporters also gathered in front of the hotel, partially blocking the highway in an apparent effort to prevent the APC supporters from accessing the venue.
The management of the hotel subsequently restricted access to its premises as security operatives maintained order around the facility.
The Obi-Kwankwaso team was also attacked along the Watt Market area of Calabar while returning from the palace of the Obong of Calabar.
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Hoodlums suspected to be political thugs from other parties attacked its convoy, and some cars in the convoy were reportedly damaged.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, confirmed both incidents, saying a suspect had been apprehended.
According to him, “the command’s timely intervention and engagement with the groups prevented a possible confrontation”.
Giving more details, he said: “The incident involved participants at the NDC presidential town hall meeting and APC supporters who were conducting a rally and road walk towards the Governor’s Office.
“Police officers promptly engaged both groups when they converged in front of the hotel.
“The operatives appealed to the parties to exercise restraint, maintain peace and ensure their activities were conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law.”
On the Watt Market attack, he disclosed that a 27-year-old suspect, Victor Edet Duke, had been apprehended, the PRO said.
