Tragedy has struck in Edem Akai village, Etim Ekpo local government area of Akwa Ibom State today (Wednesday evening) as some suspected hoodlums set ablaze an 18-seater bus belonging to AKTC.
The bus was said to be returning from Aba in Abia State when the hoodlums who pursued their victim to no avail decided to vent anger on the oncoming bus with 18 passengers.
According to an eye witness account in the area, “the hoodlums had gone to kidnap one Udoma, a provision store dealer in the area and the man bolted through the backdoor.
Speaking with Straightnews, one Moses confirmed, “Enraged by this action, they returned and set ablaze his provision store.
“As the fire was raging, the bus approached and the hoodlums stopped it to rob but some passengers escaped into the nearby bush.
“In frustration, they set the bus with some passengers and goods ablaze.”
As at the time of going to the press, it was not confirmed the number of persons who might have died, but some victims of the incdent were said to be taken to a nearby health centre for medical attention.
Straightnews called on telephone DSP Odiko Ogbeche Macdon, Police Public Relations Officer of the Akwa Ibom Police Command, who said, “Yes, I am aware of the incident. But I am not yet fed with detailed information.”
