2023: Gunmen kill PDP chieftain in A’Ibom

Ini Billie, Uyo

Gunmen have shot dead, Sir Sylvester Ntefre, a former chapter Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oruk Anam Local Government Area, at his residence in Ekparakwa.

Our correspondent gathered that the incident occurred at about 8 am on Sunday morning when the gunmen attempted to abduct the deceased in his compound.

An eyewitness, Mrs Sarah Williamson said the gunmen arrived at the residence of the deceased in a black Toyota Jeep, and dragged him outside as some gang members started shooting sporadically to scare away neighbours.

Williamson explained that the gunshots attracted youths who raised an alarm, causing the whole community to chase the hoodlums, who abandoned the Jeep and fled.

She stated that the chase forced the gunmen to drag their victim into the nearby bush to meet with other gang members, where he was shot severally before they escaped.

She said the youths quickly embarked on a search inside the bush where they found the body of the deceased in a pool of blood.

“Community people came out and rolled the Jeep away from that place. I don’t know where they took it to, but I am sure the gunmen ran away leaving the car behind,” she said.

Another source who preferred to remain unnamed said the killing of Ntefre may be connected to the forthcoming House of Assembly party primaries coming up within the week.

The source revealed that the deceased was not in support of the political ambition of one of the contenders.

“This incident has some political contents. The deceased was known for being upright in his stance against some contenders in the House of Assembly race in the area.

“This one has surprised everybody. Though kidnapping has been rampant in this community in the last 8 months this one is politically motivated.

“Every person kidnapped in this Community pays the ransom and regains their freedom but this one was killed,” the source stated.

When the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Odiko Macdon was contacted, he said he was yet to get an official report on the incident but promised to react once the command is briefed.

“We have not received any information on the killing,” he said.