Suspected hoodlums attacked and allegedly set ablaze Godswill Akpabio Unity Hall, Afaha Ikot Ebak in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The multi-million Naira hall built and inaugurated by Essien Udim Local Government Council in 2014 was named after Godswill Akpabio who was then Akwa Ibom governor and indigene of the area.
The hoodlums were said to have set ablaze chairs in the hall, ceilings and other fittings in the hall, though the corrugated roof and building are untouched.
Today, Akpabio is a Senator and the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs in the country.
An eye witness said the hoodlums just back from attacking police stations in Ika Local Government Area and the Area Command, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area early Wednesday morning in which one Police officer identified as PC Edogi Bassey, from Cross River state, was killed in the process.
Mr. Odiko MacDon, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), a Police Superintendent (SP), had confirmed in a press release on Wednesday that “At about 6:30 a.m., armed men with A-47 rifles and other dangerous weapons attacked a rented building housing the Etim Ekpo Area Command and Division.”
However, our source told Straightnews ”They came like a swarm of flies in motor cycles armed with AK-47 rifles. They shot sporadically to scare away people. As soon as they broke into the unity hall, they poured Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) on the chairs, PVC ceilings and air-conditioners. The building is partially damaged.”
When Straightnews reporter called the Essien Udim local government chairman, Anthony Luke, on Wednesday, he said he was busy to speak on the issue.
