The Managing Editor, Next Edition Newspaper, Lagos, Ibanga Isine has called for the arrest and prosecution of suspected cultists responsible for the brutal killing of Barr. Sunday Akpan.
In a petition dated December 8 and sent to Akwa Ibom State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Ministry of Justice, Akwa Ibom State, Isine also called on the government to intervene and stop the ongoing siege by suspected cultists in Nung Ukana Ikot Efre in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The Professor Wole Soyinka award-winning investigative journalist wrote ”I wish to bring to your notice and to request for appropriate action to be taken against the brutal murder of Barrister Sunday Akpan, an indigene of Nung Ukana Ikot Efre, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
”It would interest you to know, Sir, that Nung Ukana Ikot Efre has been enmeshed in a tussle for the position of the village head between two gladiators – Ibanga Etim and Enefiok Tim Udo (Enebros) – for many years now. As would be expected of law-abiding citizens, the two gladiators had approached the court of law to adjudicate on the matter and from available information; the case had gone to the Court of Appeal and is still pending till date.
”Instead of exhausting the judicial process and or allow the Appeal Court to rule on the matter, some interested party rather resorted to self-help by bringing suspected cultists to unleash terror on peaceful villagers and disrupt the pursuit of their legitimate businesses.’’
According to him, ”Based on credible information from relations and witnesses, the cultists brandishing dangerous weapons including guns, machetes, daggers and charms, have continuously blocked the road by the village market and extorted passerby, beat up innocent villagers and ransack homes.
”I am also made to understand that many indigenes of Ikot Efre including my relations and friends have fled their homes for fear of being killed and are living as internally displaced persons (IDPs) in other parts of the local government area.
”On Saturday, December 4, 2021 at about 11 a.m, I am informed that the cultists invaded the compound of late Chief Inyang Ikpe, when they received information that Bar. Sunday Akpan, was in the premises. On meeting him, the cultists were said to have dragged him out of the compound while at the same time dealing several machete-cuts on his body.’’
”I also learnt that some of those who witnessed the attack had begged the invaders to spare the life of the legal practitioner to no avail. After inflicting several machete cuts and beating him with sticks, he was left bleeding and struggling for his life until a few villagers braved the odds and rushed him to hospital.’’
”He died in a most agonizing way before his rescuers could get to the hospital. The cultists did not stop at murdering my cousin, Bar. Sunday Akpan, I am told that they are still laying siege on my village, extorting and disrupting economic and social activities in Nung Ukana Ikot Efre. Bar. Akpan was a very peaceful person and even those who procured his death would not say he ever insulted or hurt them in any way.’’
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”I, therefore, appeal to you to intervene and stop the ongoing siege on Nung Ukana Ikot Efre in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, cause to be arrested and prosecuted; all those who have committed crimes, including the murder of my peace-loving cousin, Bar Sunday Akpan,’’ the Director, External Relations Norbert Zongo Cell for Investigative Journalism in West Africa (CENOZO) Ouagadougou Burkina Faso added.
The petition was copied to the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Akwa Ibom; State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Akwa Ibom State; the Commissioner of Police Akwa Ibom State as well as the Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Akwa Ibom State Chapter.
