Violence Erupts at PDP Primary Election in Cross River, Leaving One Dead

Strategic Insights -

Violence broke out at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election in Ogoja, Cross River State, just hours before the election, leaving one person dead and several injured. The incident allegedly involved suspected thugs and high-ranking government officials, including a sitting member of the state House of Assembly and two Commissioners. The deceased, Charles Onwe, was stabbed to death on September 4, 2020, while two others were hospitalized with critical injuries. Eyewitnesses accused rival factions, led by Rt Hon Jarigbe Agom and Dr Stephen Odey, of masterminding the violence. The incident has left many worried about the safety of journalists and delegates at the primary election.

Key Takeaways:

  • One person, Charles Onwe, was stabbed to death on September 4, 2020, in Ogoja local government area.
  • Two others were hospitalized with critical injuries, including a delegate who was in a car with Onwe.
  • Eyewitnesses accused rival factions led by Rt Hon Jarigbe Agom and Dr Stephen Odey of masterminding the violence.
  • Security officers, including over 300 combined security officers, were deployed to the venue, but they allegedly chased journalists out and tear-gassed them.
  • Two journalists who arrived from Calabar are currently missing.
  • A sitting member of the state House of Assembly and two Commissioners are suspected to have orchestrated the attack.
  • Delegate Emmanuel Egwu escaped death by whiskers and accused the aforementioned officials of masterminding the attack.
  • The result of the primary election was being awaited at the time of the report.

Statistics:

  • One person was killed in the violence.
  • Two others were hospitalized with critical injuries.
  • Over 300 security officers were deployed to the venue.
  • Two journalists are missing.
  • The primary election postponed due to the violence was scheduled to take place on October 31 for the Cross River north by-election.

Sources:

  • Okoro Igbang, eyewitness.
  • Emmanuel Egwu, PDP chapter publicity secretary in Yala local government.
  • Spokesman for the Cross River state Police command, DSP Irene Ugbo.