The immediate past Deputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (AKHA), Hon Effiong, narrowly escaped an attempted murder by unknown gunmen.
The incidence took place at his hometown, Uya Oron, Oron LGA, at about 7:30pm Wednesday, 2nd March 2016.
According to an anonymous eyewitness, the ten-man gang stormed the residence of the former Oron/Udung Uko representative that faithful morning shooting sporadically to scare passers-by and neighbours who may want to render assistance.
The eyewitness said after severe beating and torture by the hoodlums, Mr. Mfonobong Emmanuel, Chapter Secretary of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Oron was taken away by the gunmen to an unknown destination.
Continuing, the source hinted that while the gunmen were driving, Mr Mfonobong Emmanuel jumped out the car booth to save his dear life and is now hospitalized and receiving treatments.
Confirming the incidence, Hon Effiong Bassey, who is the PDP candidate for Orong/Udung Uko State Constituency re-run election schedule for 12th March 2016, described the matter as “divine God’s will which has exposed the dirty plan of the opposition,” calling on his supporters to remain calm as he will emerge victorious in the re-run poll. He charged security operatives to increase and beef up surveillance during and after the election.
In a swift reaction, the Chairman and Secretary of Divine Grace Campaign Organization, Mr Okokon Paul Eyo and Nicholas Etu, said “strongly the deadly act of the opposition is man’s inhumanity to man characterized by violence and threat to life.
They charged the opposition to do away with qualities of do or die affairs just for the interest of the State Constituency.
Reacting to the issue, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Cordelia Nwawe said she cannot comment on the issue and directed those involved to make official complaint to the police.