Commotion As Ex-Akwa Ibom PDP Chairman’s Widow And Sister-In-Law Perish In House Fire

A fire outbreak has completely destroyed the residence of the late Peoples' Democratic Party chairman in Akwa Ibom State, Udo Ekpenyong, located in the Ukanafun Local Government Area of the state.

The inferno which occurred on the eve of the Christmas celebration also claimed the lives of the late PDP chairman’s wife, Elizabeth, and her sister, Ofonime Frank.

This was contained in a statement issued to newsmen by the Secretary, Transition Committee of the local government, Udeme Idiong, on Tuesday.

Though the statement did not state the cause of the inferno, it added that the transition committee’s chairman, Godwin Ekpe, has declared seven days of mourning in honour 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.”