A’Ibom Commissioner Escapes Death as Gunmen Kill Sister, 5 Others

Another five die in Imo after consuming local gin

Suspected hired assassins yesterday attacked the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Udoh Ekpenyong in his residence at Ikot Oku usung in Ukanafun local government area of the state killing the younger sister.

Meanwhile, in Imo State, it was a black weekend for the People of Umunakara, Imeriennwe Community in NgorOkpala Local Government Area of Imo State as no fewer than five persons were confirmed dead as a result of the consumption of a local gin which may have contained Methanol poisoning.

Sources said the gunmen numbering about four could have been on the trail of the Commissioner to his country home to assassinate him but since the Commissioner was not found at home they decided to vent their anger on the sister met during the invasion of the comound.

The hoodlums who flee the environment after killing the sister of the Commissioner said to be a school teacher reportedly went on shooting spree in the village killing three other persons including a barber while escaping.

Identities of those killed could not be ascertained as at the time of filing this report, but THISDAY gathered that the gunmen attacked the compound at about 6am using motor bikes.

A source said, “We learnt that after the gunmen left the commissioners House they proceeded to the residence of the former commissioner of education, Mr. Matthew Edevbie Aniekan Akpan, but they did not see anybody in the compound, so they left”.

The source disclosed that the police have started “stop and search”, in the local government area with a few to unmasking those behind the incident.

It was further gathered that three other persons including a police officer were killed on Friday in the same local government area by yet to be identified gunmen.