By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
It was Black Christmas Eve at the residence of the late Akwa Ibom State Peoples Democratic Party Chairman, Obong Udo Ekpenyong, as mysterious fire burnt the mansion and roasted the widow and sister in-law beyond recognition.
The fire incident that started at 9 p.m. consumed Mrs Elizabeth Udo Ekpenyong and her sister, Ms Ofonime Frank at their Shelter Afrique’s residence, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.
Ekpenyong who was also Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chairman Aiwa Ibom Local Government Service Commission as well as Ukanafun Local Government Area Chairman died on January 19, 2021 under questionable circumstances .
Ekpenyong hailed from Ikot Oku Usung in Ukanafun Local Government Area.
An anonymous told newsmen that despite gallant efforts of the Fire Service Department to extinguish the fire, the ”unwelcome stranger” had gutted all the property in the building, and turned the palatial mansion to a relic of abandoned edifice.
However, the actual cause of the fire incident is not yet known, though an army of sympathisers daily throng the scene.
Ukanafun Local Government Council has also declared a seven days of mourning for their former chairman and cancelled all official engagements of the Council.
A statement issued by the Secretary, Transition Committee Ukanafun Local Government, Hon. Udeme Idiong said, ‘‘sequel to the tragic fire incident that occurred at the residence of our Late State Party Chairman, Obong Udo Ekpenyong on 24th December 2023 which claimed the lives of his wife, Mrs Elizabeth Udo Ekpenyong and her sister, Ms Ofonime Frank, the Chairman, Transition Committee, Ukanafun Local Government Area, Hon. (Elder) Godwin Ekpe JP has declared a 7 days mourning period for all indigenes of Ukanafun Local Government from Tuesday 26th of December, 2023 to Monday 1st January, 2024.’’
According to the statement, ‘‘he has also in collaboration with the stakeholders of the Local Government and approval of the State Government approved a withdrawal of Ukanafun’s contingent and performance in the ongoing Christmas unplugged activity earlier scheduled to hold on the 28th of December, 2023.
“While sympathising with the family of the deceased, we pray for the repose of the departed souls.’’ The statement said.
Meanwhile, Governor, Umo Eno, and other state executive members were at the scene of the incident, and were shocked given the magnitude of destruction by the fire.
