Suspected political thugs believed to be loyal to the All Progressives Congress disrupted the planned opening of a secretariat by the African Democratic Congress in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State on Saturday.
The incident occurred when a group of youths stormed the venue where members of the opposition party had gathered for the ceremony and damaged several items prepared for the event.
Supporters of the ADC had earlier arranged canopies, chairs, and sound equipment at the location in preparation for the official launch of the party office. The gathering was already underway when the group arrived and forced people to leave the area. During the disruption, the youths destroyed canopies, loudspeakers, chairs, and other materials that had been set up for the event.
Videos from the scene later circulated on social media, showing the group dismantling the venue and scattering equipment arranged for the ceremony. The footage also showed angry youths pulling down structures at the location while declaring that the opposition party would not be allowed to carry out political activities in the local government area.
Witnesses said the attackers arrived shortly after preparations for the event had been completed. According to those present, the ADC members had finished setting up the venue and were waiting to begin the programme when the group of youths moved in and halted the gathering.
Reacting to the development, the 2023 governorship candidate of the ADC in Cross River State, Effiong Nyong, condemned the disruption. He described the incident as a troubling development in the state’s political environment.
He also blamed the situation on the hardship facing many young people, stating that some politicians were taking advantage of their struggles by using them to attack members of rival parties.
Nyong said the party would continue to organise and mobilise supporters across the state despite the disruption. He also called on opposition groups to work together to change the political direction of the state, while urging security agencies to identify and arrest those responsible for the attack.
The Nigeria Police Force in Cross River State later confirmed the incident. According to the police command, the individuals who disrupted the event were hoodlums who scattered the materials arranged at the venue. Officers were deployed to the area shortly after the disturbance in order to restore calm and prevent further trouble.
Police spokesperson Eitokpah Sunday said that although no arrests had been made at the time the report was filed, security personnel and tactical units had been stationed around the area to maintain order and stop the situation from escalating.
Attempts to obtain a reaction from the Cross River State chairman of the APC, Chris Etta, were unsuccessful, as he could not be reached for comments regarding the allegations surrounding the attack.
The incident has added to concerns about political tension in the state, especially as parties continue to expand their activities ahead of future elections.
Observers say such clashes between supporters of rival parties could increase if stronger measures are not taken to maintain peace during political events.