Etim Ekpimah, Uyo
Gunmen suspected to be cult members have killed two persons and injured the traditional ruler of Abak Obong village in the Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Residents said on Monday that the gunmen, numbering about 10, stormed the village on Saturday and attacked the palace of the village head, Chief Bassey Ikpaisong, who sustained gunshot injuries.
A source told our correspondent that the village head’s brother, Mr. Fred Ikpaisong, and a youth, Mr. Udotim Essien, were shot dead by the assailants.
The latest killings in Etim Ekpo came two days after a similar attack left four people dead and some 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 the gunshot injuries because he could not talk to people who visited him at the hospital,” the source said.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Chukwu Ikechukwu, confirmed the incident, adding that the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area had 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.
The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, who expressed worry over the killings, called on the church to wade in.
The governor, who worshipped in one of the churches in the troubled area on Sunday, solicited prayers and God’s intervention for peace to return to Ukanafun and Etim Ekpo councils.
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