ISAAC JOB, UYO
Gunmen have shot dead a former chapter Chairman of the People Democratic Party ( PDP), in OrukAnam Local Government Area, Sir S.J Ntefre, at his residence in Ekparakwa and escaped leaving behind a Toyota Jeep used in the operation.
The Trumpet gathered that the incident occurred on Sunday morning, as the gunmen attempted to abduct the former party chieftain in his compound.
An eyewitness, Mrs Sarah Williamson, told our Correspondent that the gunmen arrived at the residence of the deceased in a black jeep and dragged him outside, while other members of the gang were shooting to scare neighbours.
Continuing, she stated that the gunshots attracted youths who raised alarm against the gunmen, causing the whole community to chase the hoodlums.
She said by the time the youths started to chase the suspected kidnappers, they had already abducted and taken the party chief into the nearby bush and shot him severally, while some members of the gang, who were waiting in a standby black jeep, abandoned it, ran out of the car and escaped through the bush.
“Community people came out and rolled the jeep way from that place. I don’t know where they took it but I am sure they ran away leaving the car behind.”
It was gathered that the youths quickly searched the bush and discovered the corpse of the party chieftain lying in a pool of his blood.
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A resident of the area told our Correspondent that last Sunday, the Catholic Priest of X Parish, along Ekparakwa – Etinan Road, was abducted and later regained freedom after three days in the kidnappers den.
The resident, who pleaded anonymity, said the killing of the party chieftain may not be unconnected with forth coming House of Assembly party primary election coming up within the week, as the deceased party chieftain never supported the ambition of one of the contenders.
“This incident has some political contents. The deceased was known for being upright in his stand against some contenders in House of Assembly race in the area.”
“This one has surprised everybody. Though kidnapping has been rampant in this community in the last eight months, but this one is politically motivated.”
“Every person kidnapped in this community pays ransom and regains freedom but this is being killed,” he queried.
In a telephone interview, AKwa-Ibom State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Odiko Mcdon, said he has not received official report on the incident but promised to react once the Command is briefed.
“We have not received any report on the incident. Let me confirm from our men in the area. I cannot comment on any incident I am not fully briefed. Once I have the report, I will comment accordingly,” he said.
