Assassination Of Ibibio Traditional Ruler Raises Security Concern in Akwa Ibom

UYO, Jan 31, (THEWILL) – The worrisome security situation in Akwa Ibom State was again put on the burner when yet to be identified gunmen assassinated the paramount ruler of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, His Royal Highness, Edidem Robert James Obot inside his palace.

A source familiar with the incident told THEWILL that the murder occurred on Sunday evening at about 5.30pm. The source said the monarch must have been trailed on his way home from a Winners Chapel Church in Ikot Ebido, Uyo, where he had attended a church service.

The murder of the traditional ruler, who was a contender for the highest traditional stool in Ibibio clan, Oku Ibom Ibibio, came barely two weeks after the murder of a senior pastor in the same church.

Obot was a chartered accountant and former Director of Budgets in the old Cross River state.

Reacting to the murder, a human rights activists and legal practitioner, Barrister Andem Ndem blamed it on security lapses, recalling that the state governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio had promised on many occasions that such vices had been checkmated.

Akwa Ibom Police Command spokesman, Onyeka Orji confirmed the murder to THEWILL and said the police has opened investigations into the homicide.