The Police Command in Cross River has confirmed the disruption of an African Democratic Congress political gathering in Bakassi Local Government Area by suspected political thugs, marking the second such incident involving the party in the state within a week. Command spokesman ASP Sunday Eitokpah gave the confirmation on Sunday in reaction to a viral video showing the attack on the ADC political activity.
In the widely circulated video, a thug was heard ordering others to scatter everything, claiming the ADC was absent when the All Progressives Congress was busy developing the council area. According to Eitokpah, the event was about to commence on Saturday when “hoodlums from nowhere came and scattered the canopies, chairs and sound systems.”
The spokesman said the situation was brought under control to prevent escalation into a full-blown crisis. “Officers and tactical team are at the scene. The event couldn’t continue again. In such a chaotic situation, and considering the volatile nature of the area, for now, no arrests have been made,” he stated.
The disruption follows a similar incident on Tuesday when an ADC activity was disrupted in Calabar. That earlier attack led the party to raise alarm over what it described as an attempt to hijack the party’s structure in the state.
For Cross River’s economy, political violence carries significant costs. Such incidents undermine investor confidence, disrupt business activities, and signal instability that can deter both local and international investment. The Bakassi area, with its strategic location and economic potential, is particularly sensitive to security concerns that could affect commercial activities and development projects.
The recurring disruptions also raise questions about the state’s preparedness for the upcoming electoral cycle. Political violence during party congresses and conventions often foreshadows more serious conflicts during general elections, potentially disrupting economic activities across multiple sectors.
The ADC has not yet issued an official response to the latest attack, but the party’s earlier alarm suggests growing concern about the security of its activities in the state. Political analysts note that the ability of parties to conduct peaceful internal elections is essential for democratic consolidation and for maintaining the stable environment businesses require.
Security analysts warn that unchecked political violence creates ripple effects throughout local economies. Markets close during unrest, transportation networks are disrupted, and small businesses suffer losses. Communities that experience repeated political violence often see reduced investment and slower economic growth.
The police presence in Bakassi following the incident may provide temporary deterrence, but stakeholders emphasize that lasting solutions require addressing the root causes of political violence, including the incentives for thugs to disrupt opponents’ activities and the lack of accountability for perpetrators.
