The commissioning of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) secretariat in Bakassi Native Authorities Space of Cross River State was disrupted on Saturday after suspected thugs reportedly attacked the venue.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from social commentators, political figures and civil society organisations.
A viral video circulating on-line confirmed hoodlums storming the venue, scattering chairs and tables, destroying sound gear and knocking down canopies arrange for the occasion.
Within the footage, a few of the attackers allegedly claimed allegiance to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and have been heard saying the ADC wouldn’t be allowed to carry political actions within the space.
Reacting to the incident, political chief Barbara Etim James warned that political actors should set the best tone forward of the 2027 normal elections.
She harassed that failure to sentence such acts of violence may worsen insecurity past the election interval.
James additionally known as on political leaders throughout the state to publicly denounce the assault and guarantee these accountable are arrested and prosecuted.
A civil society organisation, Residentsâ Resolution Community, additionally condemned the disruption.
In a press release signed by its Nation Director, Richard Inoyo, the group described the incident as a violation of residentsâ constitutional proper to freedom of meeting.
The organisation urged regulation enforcement businesses to establish and prosecute these accountable for the assault.
Confirming the event, the Cross River State Police Command stated officers had been deployed to revive order within the space.
Police spokesperson Eitokpah Sunday stated the attackers destroyed canopies, chairs and sound methods on the venue.
He added that though no arrests had been made, safety personnel had been stationed within the space to stop additional escalation.
Authorities stated efforts are ongoing to establish the perpetrators and guarantee calm returns to the neighborhood.
Magdalene Eyoma
TimesNG