Violence Erupts at ADC Event in Cross River, Equipment Damaged

A group of assailants attacked the inauguration of a new African Democratic Congress (ADC) secretariat in the Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State on Saturday.

In a video that circulated widely, the youth who claimed to be affiliated with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) confronted ADC members, asserting that they would not tolerate any public events by the opposition party in the region.

The clashes took place at the designated site for the ADC's secretariat opening. Members of the party had already set up tents and arranged chairs and equipment for the anticipated ceremony.

However, the situation escalated when the attackers arrived, scattering party supporters and dismantling the preparations, resulting in the destruction of sound systems, chairs, and other event materials.

One individual, whose face was not clearly visible in the footage, was heard declaring that the APC was determined not to allow the ADC to function within the local government.

In response to the violence, Dr. Effiong Nyong, the ADC's candidate for the 2023 governorship election, condemned the attack as unfortunate and attributed it to a broader climate of fear regarding opposition parties.

“It is deeply troubling to witness such occurrences in Cross River State, indicating how poverty has been weaponized. How can one expect a desperate and marginalized person to reject opposition to the APC?” he questioned.

Dr. Nyong expressed sorrow over the situation, lamenting that young people were being misguided into perpetuating their own suffering through misguided loyalty.

“For the ADC, we will persist in enlightening individuals blinded by hunger,” he stated.

He urged the opposition members in the state to unite to liberate Cross River from what he termed an inadequate and visionless government.

Additionally, he called on the state authorities to demonstrate their non- involvement in the violence by ensuring the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attack.

The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the attack, describing the assailants as hoodlums. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday, the attackers disrupted the party setup but noted that the situation was managed to prevent it from escalating into a larger conflict.

He mentioned that no arrests had occurred at the time of reporting, as security personnel were deployed to the area to monitor the situation safely.

“In light of the chaotic environment and the area's history of volatility, immediate arrests were avoided to prevent further escalation,” he added, confirming that the ceremony could not proceed.

Efforts to obtain a statement from Christopher Etta, the newly appointed state chairman of the APC, were unsuccessful.