Three wounded as alleged thugs open fire on PDP supporters in Calabar

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has raised the alarm over alleged gun attacks during its consultative meetings in Calabar South Local Government Area, with three persons reportedly injured and several vehicles damaged.

The incident occurred on Friday, October 2, 2026, as the party’s governorship candidate, Sir Arthur Javis Archibong, and other members of the consultative team visited parts of Calabar South as part of their political engagements ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to Archibong, the first incident occurred at the Palace of the Paramount Ruler of Calabar South, Etubom Nyong Edet Okon I, where alleged gunmen reportedly disrupted the meeting.

He said three people sustained injuries and were taken to a hospital for treatment.

The candidate said the situation later escalated at the African Club along Calabar Road, where the second consultative meeting was scheduled to take place.

He alleged that vehicles belonging to members of the PDP consultative team were damaged, while the party’s convoy and vehicles belonging to supporters were also reportedly attacked.

Archibong said about 3,000 supporters had gathered for the consultation and that the police had been duly informed ahead of the meetings.

He said the party expected adequate security arrangements to protect participants and prevent disruptions.

Rather than retaliating, the candidate said PDP members restrained themselves and moved their convoy to the office of the Commissioner of Police to seek protection.

Archibong said the party would petition the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant security agencies over the incident.

He warned that continued disruption of political activities could affect preparations for the 2027 elections and create tension in the state.

“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 incident as a disturbing attack on the party’s consultative engagements.

Ojisi said the matter had been reported to the Cross River State Commissioner of Police and called on security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible in accordance with the law.

The PDP also appealed to its members and supporters to remain calm and avoid reprisals, stressing that political consultations should not become occasions for violence.

The party expressed solidarity with those injured and reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful political activities, while urging all political actors to reject violence and allow the democratic process to proceed without intimidation.

APC denies involvement

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State has denied any involvement in the incident.

The party’s Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Inyang, said the PDP should look elsewhere in its search for those responsible, insisting that the APC was focused on its own political activities.

The incident comes amid increasing political activity in Cross River State ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the PDP and APC already exchanging accusations over political developments in the state. Recent reports have also documented heightened political activity involving both parties.

Police confirm incident, deploy personnel

The Cross River State Police Command confirmed that it was aware of the reported incidents and said security personnel had been deployed to the affected areas.

The command’s spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said police were verifying reports of gunfire, injuries and damage to property.

“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.

The police statement did not attribute responsibility for the reported attacks to any political party or group, saying investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incidents.

The latest development follows other recent security-related incidents in Calabar that have prompted police investigations, including a September case involving alleged sporadic gunfire from a moving vehicle.

The police are expected to provide further information as investigations into Friday’s incidents progress.

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