JOE EFFIONG, UYO
The former chapter chairman  of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP)  Oruk Anam local government area of Akwa Ibom State,  Mr Sylvester  Ntefre has been killed by some unknown gunmen at his residence in Ekparakwa.
The gunmen who however escaped when chased by the youth of the community
left behind a  Toyota SUV which they alleged used in the operation.
The incident occurred on Sunday about 8am as the gunmen attempted to abduct the former party chieftain in his compound .
An eyewitness, Mrs Sarah Williamson, told newsmen that the gunmen arrived at the residence of the deceased in a black SUV M and dragged him outside while other members of the gang were shooting to scare neighbours
She said the gunshots attracted youths who raised alarm against the gunmen causing the whole community to chase the hoodlums .
She said by the time the youths started to chase the kidnappers , they have already abducted the party chief into the nearby bush and shot him severally while some members of the gang who were waiting  in a standby black vehicl abandoned it ,  ran out of the car and escaped into the bush
” Community people came out and rolled the car away from that place . I don’t know where they took it  to but I am sure they ran away leaving the car behind”
It was gathered that the youths quickly searched the bush and discover the corpse of the party chieftain lying in the pool of his blood
Only last Sunday , the Catholic Priest of X Parish along Ekparakwa – Etinan road was abducted; he later  regained freedom after three days in the kidnappers den .
The resident who pleaded anonymity said the killing of the party chieftain may not be unconnected with forth coming House of Assembly party primary election coming up within the week as the deceased party chieftain never supported ambition of one of the contenders .
” This incident has some political contents . The deceased was known for being upright in his stand against some contenders in House of Assembly race in the area.”
” This one has surprised everybody. Though kidnapping has been rampant in this community in the last eight months but, one is politically motivated . “
“Every person kidnapped in this community pays ransom to regain their freedom but this is being killed. ” he queried.
In a telephone interview , Akwa Ibom state Police Public Relations Officer, Odiko Mcdon (SP) said he had yet to  receive official report on the incident but promised to react once the command is gets official information.