Tragedy as fire razes late Akwa Ibom PDP Chairman’s house, claims wife, sister-in-law

The residence of Obong Udo Ekpenyong, the deceased chairman of the People’s Democratic Party in Akwa Ibom State, situated in the Ukanafun Local Government Area of the state, has been devastated by fire, killing his wife and sister-in-law.

The fire that broke out on the eve of Christmas claimed the lives of Mrs. Elizabeth Udo Ekpenyong, the spouse of the deceased PDP chairman, and Ofonime Frank, her sister, according to a statement released on Dec. 26 by Udeme Idiong, the Secretary of the Transition Committee of the Local Government.

While the statement refrained from specifying the origin of the fire, Mr Godwin Ekpe, chairperson of the council for the Transition Community, has ordered all residents of the local government to observe seven days of mourning.

Additionally, it was mentioned that the council chairman has requested the state government’s authorization to withdraw the entire Ukanafun contingent from the ongoing Christmas Carol activity, which is set to take place on December 28, 2023.

“In continuation of the lamentable fire incident that transpired at the domicile of our late state party chairman, Obong Udo Ekpenyong, on December 24, 2023, resulting in the deaths of his wife, Mrs Elizabeth Udo Ekpenyong, and her sister, Ms. Ofonime Frank,” the statement reads, “Honourable (Elder) Godwin Ekpe JP, Chairman of the Transition Committee, Ukanafun Local Government Area, has ordered seven days of mourning for all residents of Ukanafun Local Government, commencing on Tuesday, the 26th of December.”

“Moreover, with the consent of the State Government and in consultation with the stakeholders of the local government, he has authorized the withdrawal of Ukanafun’s contingent and performance from the ongoing Christmas unplugged event, which was originally planned to take place on December 28, 2023.”

“As we extend our condolences to the bereaved family, we offer prayers for the eternal rest of their souls.”