A mysterious fire has razed down the building belonging to the former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom state late Hon Udo Ekpenyong killing his wife Mrs Elizabeth Udo Ekpenyong and sister in-law Miss Ofonime Frank who were in the building.
Our Correspondent gathered that the fire outbreak which occurred on Christmas Eve trapped the victims who could not run out of the palatial building located at Shelter Afrique Housing Estate off Oron Road in Uyo.
A statement issued by the Transition Secretary of Ukanafun local government area Transition Committee Hon Udeme Idiong and made available to newsmen in Uyo on Tuesday confirmed the incident and declared a 7-day mourning period for the departed souls.
According to the statement, the mourning period begins on 26th December 2023 to Monday 1st January 2024 for indigenes of the local government area where the former PDP chairman late Udo Ekpenyong comes from.
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The statement reads in parts :
“The Chairman, Transition Committee, Ukanafun Local Government Area, Hon. (Elder) Godwin Ekpe JP has declared a 7 days mourning period for all indigenes of Ukanafun Local Government from Tuesday 26th of December, 2023 to Monday 1st January, 2024.”
The Chairman of Ukanafun local government Transition Committee Hon Godwin Ekpe also announced withdrawal of the council contingent to the ongoing Christmas Village festivities which the local government supposed to take her turn on December 28th to mourn the departed household members of the former party chieftain in the state.
“He has also in collaboration with the Stakeholders of the Local Government and approval of the State Government approved a withdrawal of Ukanafun’s contingent and performance in the ongoing Christmas unplugged activity earlier scheduled to hold on the 28th of December, 2023.
While sympathizing with the family of the deceased, we pray for the repose of the departed souls” he said.
