Just In: Three injured as alleged thugs open fire on PDP supporters in Calabar

By Ike Uchechukwu

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Cross River State, Friday raised the alarm over alleged gun attacks by hoodlums on its consultative meetings in Calabar South Local Government Area, which left three persons injured and several vehicles damaged.

The party’s governorship candidate, Sir Arthur Javis Archibong, who spoke with journalists after the incidents, said the violence began at the Palace of the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, Etubom Nyong Edet Okon I, where gunmen allegedly disrupted the meeting.

According to him, the three victims were rushed to hospital for treatment.

He said the situation worsened at the African Club along Calabar Road, the designated venue of the second meeting, where vehicles belonging to members of the consultative team were damaged.

Javis-Archibong further alleged that the attackers also fired at the party’s convoy and vandalised vehicles owned by supporters.

He disclosed that about 3,000 supporters attended the consultation, adding that the police had been duly notified and that the party expected adequate security cover.

Rather than retaliate, he said the party restrained its supporters and moved its convoy to the Commissioner of Police for protection.

The candidate said the PDP would petition the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services, DSS, and other security agencies over the incidents.

He warned that persistent attacks on political activities could undermine democracy and plunge the state into lawlessness as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

“Let the party not be held accountable when such disruptions lead to a total breakdown of law and order,” he said.

In a separate statement, the PDP State Publicity Secretary, Mike Ojisi, described the incidents as “disturbing attacks” on the party’s consultative engagements.

The statement said the matter had been reported to the Commissioner of Police, Cross River Command, CP Geoffrey, and urged security agencies to identify and prosecute those behind the attacks in line with the law.

The party also appealed to its members and supporters to remain calm and shun reprisals, stressing that political consultation must not become an occasion for violence.

It expressed solidarity with the injured, reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful politics, and called on all political actors to reject violence and allow the democratic process to run without intimidation.

APC denies involvement

Reacting, the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, distanced itself from the attack, insisting that it was focused on its own campaign activities.

The party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Inyang, said the PDP should look elsewhere in its search for those responsible.

Confirming the incident, the Cross River State Police Command said officers had been deployed to the affected areas and that the situation was under control.

Its spokesman, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said the command was aware of the incident.

“The Cross River State Police Command is aware of reported incidents during political activities in Calabar South today, 2nd October 2026.

“Police personnel have been deployed to the affected locations, and the situation is presently under control.

“The Command is verifying the circumstances surrounding the incidents, including reports of gunfire, injuries, and damage to property.

“For public safety, residents are advised to remain calm, avoid affected areas where necessary, and refrain from circulating unverified information.

“Police presence and monitoring have been strengthened to maintain peace and public order,” he said.

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