By Frank Ulom
Unknown gunmen on Christmas Day killed one Akpang Ayambem, kinsman to Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly.
CONVERSEER learned that the incident happened in the evening of the day at Nde 3 Corners, the community of Speaker Ayambem in Ikom Local Government Area of the state.
A resident of the community, Awor Takim told Leadership that the gunmen stormed the area, shooting an unidentified man and dragging his body into the bush, only to be discovered to be Akpang Ayambem, who is the Youth Leader of the community.
“They then proceeded to operate for 30-60 minutes, shooting and wounding two other residents who were returning from their farms. One of the wounded victims sustained a gunshot injury to his hand and is receiving medical attention.
“Soldiers from a nearby battalion and police anti-robbery squad reportedly arrived after the gunmen fled,” Takim said.
SP Irene Ugbo, Police spokesperson in Cross River told Leadership that her office is yet to receive a report of the incident but promised to investigate the matter.
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CONVERSEER further learned that Nde 3 Corners is rapidly becoming a haven for kidnappers and various criminals.
In recent months, commuters along the Calabar/Ikom/Ogoja Highway have feared the community after a medical practitioner was reportedly shot dead and an All Progressives Congress, APC, Ikom Ward Chairman, Matthew Egomo, kidnapped along with his son.
Egomo, our Reporter learned paid a N5 million ransom before being released.
Meanwhile, efforts to reach Speaker Ayambem for comment proved abortive at the time of filing this report.