By Joe Udeo
A tragic fire incident has claimed the life of Mrs Elizabeth Udo Ekpenyong, wife of the former Akwa Ibom State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Chairman, late Obong Udo Ekpeyong.
CONVERSEER reports that the fire which gutted the house of late Ekpenyong, also took the life of his sister-in-law, Ms Ofonime Frank, in Ukanafun Local Government Area of the state.
The victims were trapped in the house.
Ukanafun is currently on a 7-day mourning from 26th December 2023 to 1st January 2024, which was declared by the Transition Chairman, Hon (Elder) Godwin Ekpe JP in a statement dated 25th December 2023 and made available to the media – as signed by Hon Udeme Idiong, the council Secretary.
The statement added that the Local Government contingents to the Akwa Ibom Christmas Unplugged are to be withdrawn in the mood of the local government following collaboration with stakeholders and the approval of the State Government.
The contingents were expected to perform on the 28th of December 2023 at Christmas Park.
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“Sequel to the tragic fire incident that occurred at the residence of our Late State Party Chairman, Obong Udo Ekpenyong on 24th December 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, Hon. (Elder) Godwin Ekpe JP has declared a 7 days mourning period for all indigenes of Ukanafun Local Government from Tuesday 26th of December 2023 to Monday 1st January 2024.
“He has also in collaboration with the Stakeholders of the Local Government and approval of the State Government approved a withdrawal of Ukanafun’s contingent and performance in the ongoing Christmas unplugged activity earlier scheduled to hold on the 28th of December, 2023.
“While sympathising with the family of the deceased, we pray for the repose of the departed souls,” the statement read in parts.
The cause of the fire incident is yet to be ascertained.
CONVERSEER reports that the late Udo Ekpenyong died on 19th January 19 2021, from suspected COVID-19 complications.
