Suspected APC thugs disrupt ADC meeting in Cross River, police say

A political gathering organised by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Cross River State was disrupted by suspected political thugs on Saturday, according to the police.

The incident occurred in the Bakassi Local Government Area, where the event was scheduled to take place before it was abruptly halted after hoodlums reportedly attacked the venue.

The spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force in the state, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, confirmed the development on Sunday while reacting to a viral video circulating online that captured the disruption.

In the footage, one of the alleged thugs was heard instructing others to scatter the gathering, claiming that members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had been working to develop the council area while the ADC had not been active there.

According to the police spokesperson, the attackers stormed the venue shortly before the event commenced and vandalised several items prepared for the gathering.

“The event was about to commence when hoodlums from nowhere came and scattered the canopies, chairs, and sound systems,” Eitokpah said.

He added that security personnel quickly intervened to restore calm and prevent the situation from escalating into a broader conflict.

Police restore order but make no arrests

Following the disruption, officers and tactical units were deployed to the scene to secure the area and prevent further violence.

However, the police said no arrests had been made so far due to the chaotic nature of the incident and the security situation in the area.

“Officers and tactical teams are at the scene. The event couldn’t continue again,” Eitokpah said.

“In such a chaotic situation, and considering the volatile nature of the area, for now, no arrests have been made.”

The police said efforts are ongoing to monitor the situation and ensure peace in the area.

The incident comes just days after a similar disruption of an ADC activity in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State.

Following that earlier incident, the party raised concerns about what it described as attempts by rival political actors to hijack its structure in the state.

Political observers say tensions between parties in the state have increased in recent months as political groups begin positioning ahead of future elections.

Authorities have urged political actors and their supporters to maintain peace and avoid actions capable of triggering violence during political gatherings.

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