Suspected Thugs Disrupt ADC Secretariat Inauguration In Cross River

Violence erupted on Saturday in Bakassi local government area of Cross River State as suspected political thugs disrupted the commissioning of African Democratic Congress (ADC) secretariat.

The incident was captured in a viral video showing the hoodlums storming the venue, scattering chairs and tables, destroying sound equipment and pulling down canopies set up for the event.

In the footage, some attackers claimed allegiance to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and vowed that the ADC would never be allowed to hold political activities in the area. “This is the end of ADC in Bakassi,” one of them shouted.

A leader of the group was seen issuing orders for the event to be completely disrupted. “Destroy everything, don’t let them have it,” he directed.

Social commentators and activists have condemned the violent disruption, describing it as an attack on democratic freedoms.

Commentator Sunday Away said, “ADC should be allowed to operate like every other party. Imagine people taking the law into their hands.”

Cletus Mandela Bassey blamed the situation on the failure of the political system to engage young people productively.

“This is the reason democracy in Nigeria has continued to breed lazy and jobless youths,” he wrote.

Etim Akpan criticized the attackers, saying poor citizens were being used against one another instead of demanding good governance from political leaders.

The 2023 ADC governorship candidate in Cross River State, Effiong Nyong, condemned the disruption, describing it as a sign of fear and political intolerance.

“The incident reflects how poverty has been ‘weaponised’ against young people,” he said.

The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying officers had been deployed to restore order in the area.

“Hoodlums disrupted the gathering, scattering canopies, chairs, and sound systems.

“No arrests have been made so far, but police personnel are on ground to prevent escalation,” ASP Eitokpah Sunday said.