May 15, (THEWILL) – A chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, Sir S. J Ntefre, has been reportedly shot dead by yet to be identified gunmen, who invaded his residence in Oruk Anam local government area on Sunday morning.
Ntefre, a former PDP chapter chairman of Oruk Anam LGA, THEWILL gathered had resisted abduction attempt by the gunmen in his compound at Ekpatakwa, when he was shot by the angered hoodlums.
An eyewitness, who gave her name as Sarah Williamson, told THEWILL Correspondent 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 sporadically to scare neighbours.
She said the gunshots attracted youths, who alerting the community gave the hoodlums a chase, who in turn escaped, leaving behind theToyota Jeep which they came in.
“By the time the youths started to chase the kidnappers, they have already abducted him into the nearby bush and shot him severally, while 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 the spot. I don’t know where they took it, but I am sure they ran away leaving the car behind”, she narrated.
It was gathered that the youths quickly searched the bush and discovered the corpse of the party chieftain lying in the pool of his own blood.
THEWILL recalls that just last Sunday, a Catholic Priest of X Parish along Ekparakwa-Etinan road, was abducted and later regained freedom after three days.
Residents of the community are expressing suspicions that the killing of the party chieftain may not be unconnected with the forthcoming House of Assembly party primary election, coming up within the week, as the deceased party chieftain never supported the ambition of a popular contender.
“This incident has some political undertone. The deceased was known for being upright in his stand against some contenders in the House of Assembly race.
“This one has surprised everybody. Though kidnapping has been rampant in this community in the last 8 months, but this one is politically motivated.
“Every person kidnapped in this community pays ransom and regains freedom, but this one was killed”, she stated.
In a telephone interview, Akwa Ibom state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Odiko Mcdon, said he has not received official report on the incident, but promised to react once the command is briefed.
“We have not received any information on such, but we will relate as soon as we are briefed.”