Local Government Area Secretary shot dead in Akwa Ibom State

Four gunmen have shot dead the newly sworn in Ukanafun Local Government Area Secretary, Mr. Ime Atakpa (aka Strong). Ime was shot dead on Sunday on his farm, which was in a boys’ quarters in his house in Ukanafun, Akwa Ibom State. 

His widow, Mrs. Imo Atakpa, who spoke with our correspondent, said she had joined him for the Easter Sunday Church Service at Ukanafun.

She said prior to the church’s service, they had decided to check on some pigs on the farm. She also noted that she and the children were in the house when she heard gunshots.


Imo added that when she tried to enquire where the sound of the shots came
from, she saw four masked men walking away.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the deceased was a former chairman of the Ukanafun LGA.

It was gathered that one other person was also shot with Ime.

The other victim was said to be receiving treatment at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.

One of the deceased sisters, who did not want to be named, told our correspondent that the four gunmen shot Ime several times in the abdomen and chest.

She added that they waited to confirm that the victim was dead before leaving the scene.

She said, “Ukanafun has been in a crisis since December 2016. Some youths go about with guns in broad daylight. Many village heads and other well-meaning people in the community have been killed by these youths. “Three persons were killed on Saturday in the area.” The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Chukwu Ikechukwu, confirmed the incident.

He said the gunmen shot the late council secretary in the stomach, adding that he died on the way to a hospital.

Ikechukwu said, “The man was on his farm in the Ukanafun LGA when four gunmen shot him.” 

The police spokesman said the police were not aware of the other killings in the community.