A marriage ceremony attended by Governor Udom Emmanuel later turned mournful as a suspected police officer killed their victim in Ndiya Ikot Ukab, Nsit Ubium local government area of Akwa Ibom State.
It was the traditional marriage ceremony of former Miss Jane Moses Wilson and his Personal Assistant on Special Duties, Mr. Bassey Edet Bassey.
Godwin Thomas was shot dead by a police personnel at the marriage, thus turning the wedding venue into a sprinting arena and sending the jubilating crowd scampering for safety.
Confirming the incident, SP Odiko MacDon, the state Police Public Relations Officer said “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has received a report on the very unfortunate and unacceptable incident that happened on Thursday, October 7th, at Ndiya Ikot Ukab in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of the State where one Mr. Godwin Thomas was shot dead by a yet to be identified alleged Police Officer.
In a press release, MacDon stated “Our preliminary investigation revealed that the incident occurred after a marriage ceremony which was well attended at the above location and that there were Police personnel from within the State and neigbouring States on escort duties. Our preliminary findings further showed that as at the time of the incident, the security personnel from Akwa Ibom Government House had left the area.
According to him, “While the identity of the perpetrator of this dastardly act is for now unknown, the Commissioner of Police, CP ZAKI AHMED has ordered for a more discreet investigation to be quickly carried out to unravel the perpetrator of the said crime and prosecute same.
“The Commissioner of Police commiserates with the family of the deceased and wish to reiterate the Command’s readiness in protecting lives and property and combating crimes in all parts of the State.”
On his part, Governor Emmanuel has expressed sadness over the incident and directed security agents to fish out perpetrators of the crime.
A statement by Mr Charles Udoh, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, said Governor Udom Emmanuel has commiserated with the family of deceased, promising his administration’s commitment to safety and protection of lives of the people.
The statement reads “The attention of Akwa Ibom State Government has been drawn to an unfortunate incident at Ndiya Ikot Ukab, Nsit Ubium LGA where an innocent life was lost yesterday.
“Governor Udom Emmanuel is deeply saddened by the tragic event at the end of an otherwise joyous occasion.
“He has, therefore, directed security agencies to fish out and prosecute whoever was responsible for the unwarranted loss of innocent life.
“Commiserating with the family of the deceased, the Governor reiterates his administration’s commitment to the continued protection of lives and property within the boundaries of the state.
Earlier at the ceremony, the Governor who was a special guest at the event, had extolled Mr Bassey for his diligence and loyalty in the course of his duty, saying he has not deviated from the norm right from when he was with him in the private sector and urged the youths to emulate such virtues.
He said “a lot of people don’t know that loyalty pays, Bassey has worked with me for many years, right from when I was not holding a public office. Honestly, from when Bassey was employed, we have had no cause to regret. He has been such a loyal person.”
Emmanuel said loyalty is often rewarded by God saying, “Af you are loyal, it might not even be your immediate boss that will reward you, it is God that will reward you, and God’s gift to man is man, the way God will reward you, will beat your imagination. God can raise someone from where you least expected to help you or your child as a return of that loyalty and dedication”.
He cautioned youths against rascality and disobedience, stressing that those who indulge in such vices have mortgaged their future and destiny.
