A former chapter chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) in Oruk Anam Local Council of Akwa Ibom, Sir Silvester Ntefre has been assassinated by unknown gunmen.
The incident took place at his residence in Ekparakwa community in the same Local Council on Sunday morning but the hoodlums abandoned a Toyota Jeep they used in the operations after they were challenged by community youths.
An eyewitness, Mrs Sarah Williamson told newsmen 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 , Williamson said the gunshots attracted youths who raised alarm causing members community to chase the hoodlums .
She explained however that the gunmen had already abducted the party chief into the nearby bush and shot him severally before the youths arrived but 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 away from that place . I don’t where they took it to but I am sure they ran away leaving the car behind.” She maintained.
It was gathered that the youths quickly searched the bush and discovered the corpse of the party chieftain lying in the pool of his blood.
Only 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 .
Sources in the community said the killing of the party chieftain may not be unconnected with the 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 because person kidnapped in this community pays ransom and regains freedom but this one was killed.” The source said.
In a telephone interview , State Police Public Relations Officer, Odiko Mcdon said he has not received official report on the incident but promised to react once the command is briefed.
