By ThePreview Team

 

The police in Cross River State have arrested a 27-year-old man, Victor Edet, over allegations of attacking the convoy of the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Party (NDP), Peter Obi, in Calabar.

Mr Edet is being held at the State Police Headquarters for investigation and prosecution, the Cross River State Police Command said on Wednesday.

The arrest followed an attack on the convoy at about 2:20 p.m. around Watt Market Roundabout, as Mr Obi was returning from the palace of the Obong of Calabar to the Metropolitan Hotel, venue of the party’s presidential town hall meeting.

How the attack happened

According to a statement by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Eitokpah Akata, a group of suspected hoodlums armed with machetes and sticks emerged from the Calabar Road and Clerks Alley axis and attacked vehicles in the convoy.

Police operatives deployed around the area responded swiftly, using tear gas to disperse the attackers, the statement said.

The police said the exact number of vehicles affected had yet to be ascertained.

The police said they made way at the scene to ensure order and thereafter arrested Mr Edet.

He was taken to the State Police Headquarters by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit for investigation and prosecution, to prevent possible reprisal attacks.

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The Commissioner of Police, Ajo Geoffrey, has ordered a thorough investigation to identify and arrest other persons allegedly involved in the attack and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, the statement said.

The command cautioned that the arrest did not amount to a determination of guilt, stressing that the suspect remained entitled to the presumption of innocence pending the conclusion of the investigation and any subsequent judicial proceedings.

The police assured political stakeholders and residents of adequate security protection for all political parties and their supporters, irrespective of political affiliation.

It also urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.