Gunmen kill PDP chieftain in Akwa Ibom

A former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in OrukAnam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Sylvester Ntefre has reportedly been killed by yet-to-be-identified gunmen.

It was learnt that the suspected assassins, who killed the victim at his residence in Ekparakwa on Sunday, escaped leaving behind a Toyota Jeep used for the operation.

Sources said the gunmen had attempted to abduct the deceased from his compound amid sporadic gunshots.

The gunshots were said to have attracted the attention of youths in the community, who tried the repel them, forcing them to abandon their vehicle, and escaped into the bush.

It was also gathered that the youths quickly searched the bush and discovered the corpse of the party chieftain.

Some residents in the area have alleged that the incident has a political undertone to it, as some claimed that the act may not be unconnected with the forthcoming House of Assembly party primary election.

However, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command is yet to issue a statement regarding the incident.