The house of the late leader of the Peoples’ Democratic Party in Akwa Ibom State, Udo Ekpenyong, in the state’s Ukanafun Local Government Area, has been destroyed by fire.
The late PDP chairman’s wife, Elizabeth, and her sister, Ofonime Frank, were also killed in the conflagration that occurred on the eve of the Christmas celebration.
On Tuesday, the Secretary, Transition Committee of the local government, Udeme Idiong, released a statement to the media.
Though the announcement did not specify the cause of the fire, it did mention that the chairman of the transition committee, Godwin Ekpe, had announced seven days of mourning in memory of the deceased.
It also stated that the council chairman has sought the approval of the state government to withdraw all Ukanafun contingent in the ongoing Christmas Carol activity scheduled to hold on December 28, 2023.
The statement added, “Sequel to the tragic fire incident that occurred at the residence of our late state party Chairman, Obong Udo Ekpenyong, on December 24, 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, Godwin Ekpe, has declared seven days mourning period for all indigenes of Ukanafun Local Government from Tuesday, December 26, 2023 to Monday January 1, 2024.
“He has also in collaboration with stakeholders of the local government and approval of the state government approved the withdrawal of Ukanafun’s contingent and performance in the ongoing Christmas Unplugged activity scheduled to be held on December 28, 2023.
“While sympathising with the family of the deceased, we pray for the repose of the departed souls.”