By Dennis Okechukwu
The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, have escaped unhurt after hoodlums attacked their convoy in Calabar, Cross River State, on Wednesday.
The attackers reportedly pelted the motorcade with stones and other dangerous objects around the Watt Market Roundabout, damaging some of the vehicles conveying the opposition leaders and members of their entourage.
However, Obi and Kwankwaso were not injured in the incident.
The attack occurred as the NDC presidential flagbearer and his running mate were heading to a hotel opposite the U.J. Esuene Stadium after paying a courtesy visit to the Obong of Calabar.
The duo were scheduled to attend a town hall meeting with NDC stakeholders, supporters and party candidates in the state.
The incident came just hours after security operatives reportedly prevented a possible confrontation between supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the NDC in the state capital.
Earlier, APC supporters, including members of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), had taken to the streets before proceeding to Government House for a scheduled meeting with Governor Bassey Otu.
Confirming both incidents, the Cross River State Police Command said it had intensified surveillance and security operations to prevent a further breakdown of law and order.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah Akata, also confirmed the attack on the NDC convoy and disclosed that a suspect had been arrested.
According to him, the suspect, identified as Victor Edet Yellow Duke, a 27-year-old male, was taken into police custody.
The police did not indicate whether additional arrests were expected as investigations into the incident continued.