Akwa Ibom: Gunmen Murder PDP Chieftain

San Francisco, June 20, (THEWILL) – Gunmen today at about 11.30am stormed an Anglican Church in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State where a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP chieftain was worshipping and murdered him in the church premises.

THEWILL learnt that Chief Paul Inyang was in the church worshipping with other worshippers when about six gunmen entered the church interrupting service after shooting several rounds outside and demanded that Chief Inyang follow them.

Why Chief Inyang was killed was still sketchy as at press time but reports from Akwa Ibom said Inyang drew his gun outside the Ebenezer Anglican Communion Church and a gun fight ensued between him and the gunmen which led to his murder.

The motive for the murder of the politician is unknown and attempts to reach the Akwa Ibom State Police Command for comments were unsuccessful.

Akwa Ibom State, a once peaceful state under the two-term administration of Obong Victor Attah (1999-2007) has of late become notorious for politically motivated gun attacks, murders and kidnappings.

It is unclear whether the current administration of Governor Godswill Akpabio will successfully check the menace as his camp has often been alleged to be behind the political onslaught against perceived opponents of the governor who is gunning for a second tenure in the 2011 elections.

Last May, a governorship aspirant in the state under the PDP, Mr. Ini Ekong Edonwa was shot outside his residence while his aged mother was kidnapped.