Late Akwa Ibom PDP chairman’s widow and her sister die in house fire

Mrs. Elizabeth Ekpenyong, the widow of the late chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party in Akwa Ibom State, Obong Udo Ekpenyong, lost her life in a fire that engulfed her residence in Uyo, the state capital.

The incident, which occurred on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2023, at Shelter Afrique Estate, also claimed the life of Elizabeth’s sister, Ms. Ofonime Frank.

Udeme Idiong, the Secretary of the Transition Committee for Ukanafun local government Area in the state, officially confirmed the unfortunate event in a statement released on Tuesday, December 26.

In response to the tragedy, the council chairman has formally requested the state government’s approval to withdraw all Ukanafun representatives from the ongoing Christmas Carol activity scheduled for December 28, 2023.

The statement further revealed that Godwin Ekpe, the chairman of the transition committee, has declared a seven-day mourning period in honor of the departed souls.

“Sequel to the tragic fire incident that occurred at the residence of our late state party Chairman, Obong Udo Ekpenyong, on December 24, 2023, which claimed the lives of his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Udo Ekpenyong and her sister, Ms. Ofonime Frank, the Chairman, Transition Committee, Ukanafun Local Government Area, Godwin Ekpe, has declared seven days mourning period for all indigenes of Ukanafun Local Government from Tuesday, December 26, 2023 to Monday January 1, 2024,” the statement read.

“He has also in collaboration with stakeholders of the local government and approval of the state government approved the withdrawal of Ukanafun’s contingent and performance in the ongoing Christmas Unplugged activity scheduled to be held on December 28, 2023.

“While sympathizing with the family of the deceased, we pray for the repose of the departed souls.”