Etim Ekpimah, Uyo
The village head of Abak Obong in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Bassey Ikpaisong, has died from gunshot injury in a hospital, a family source, who did not want to be named, told our correspondent.
PUNCH Metro had reported on Tuesday that unknown gunmen suspected to be cult members killed two persons and injured the traditional ruler.
Local residents said on Monday that the gunmen numbering about 10 stormed the village on Saturday and attacked the palace of the village head and injured him with gun shots.
A family source, who preferred not to be mentioned, told our correspondent that the village head’s brother, Mr. Fred Ikpaisong, and a youth, Mr. Udotim Essien, were shot and killed at close range.
It was learnt that the latest killing in Etim Ekpo is coming almost two days after a similar attack left four people dead and houses burnt in the neighbouring Udianga Enem village.
“Right now, our village head is hospitalised because of the attack and it is not known whether he will survive from the gunshot wounds because right now he cannot talk to people who visited him at the hospital,” a family source said.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Chukwu Ikechukwu, confirmed the incident. He said the Divisional Police Officer in-charge of the area has intervened and brought the matter under control.
“When I contacted the DPO, he told me that immediately he heard of the matter, he rushed down with his men and calmed the situation,” he said.
Worried by the situation which has created widespread tensions in the troubled areas of Ukanafun and Etim Ekpo LGAs, the Akwa Ibom State governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has called on the church to wade into the situation.
source: http://ift.tt/2fpPFyI
http://ift.tt/eA8V8J