Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has strongly condemned Wednesday's attack on the convoy of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, in Calabar, ordering security agencies to immediately track down and arrest all perpetrators.

The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon around the busy Watt Market Roundabout as Obi's convoy was returning from a courtesy visit to the palace of the Obong of Calabar to the Metropolitan Hotel, the venue for the NDC presidential town hall meeting.

Suspected political thugs hurled stones at the convoy, smashing several vehicle windshields and triggering panic among supporters and members of the entourage.

Confirming the incident, Obi alleged that some of the assailants were armed with machetes and other dangerous weapons, accusing members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating the ambush to undermine the 2027 general elections.

In an official statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Linus Obogo, Governor Otu described the attack as disturbing and completely alien to the peaceful culture and mutual respect associated with Cross River State.

Expressing sympathy with Obi and his team, Otu stressed that his administration will not tolerate political violence, intimidation, or any attempt to violate the constitutional rights of political actors to campaign freely.

"Governor Otu has directed security agencies to leave no stone unturned in identifying and apprehending all those behind the attack, assuring that anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law," the statement noted.

The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the attack, disclosing that police personnel responded swiftly with tear gas to disperse the hoodlums and restore order to the area.

Police revealed that a 27-year-old suspect, identified as Victor Edet Yellow Duke, has already been arrested and transferred to the State Police Headquarters for interrogation.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has ordered a comprehensive investigation to track down fleeing accomplices and establish the full circumstances behind the violence.

The command reiterated its commitment to providing equal security protection for all political parties and candidates across the state.

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