In a shocking and disturbing incident, the residence of Obong Samuel Peter; the Labour Party candidate for Uyo state constituency in the last General Election, has been set ablaze by unknown assailants.
However, the attack has left the community reeling, with many wondering who was responsible and why such a violent act would be carried out against a man known for his peaceful and unassuming nature.
Our Crime Desk gathered that Peter, who recently relocated from Uyo to Ikot Ekpene was not at home when the arson took place.
Recall that, just two months ago, Mr. Peter narrowly escaped death when three armed men broke into his Uyo residence. He managed to escape by jumping over the fence and fleeing the scene before the gang could get to him.
However, our sources in the community have expressed concern about the incident, with some speculating that it may have been an assassination attempt. Many have called on the Nigerian Police to increase patrols and surveillance in the State, especially during the hours of darkness.
Speaking with this newspaper, a brother to Peter, Mr Ukeme Peter said that incidence is what triggered Samuel ‘s decision to relocate to Ikot Ekpene having felt insecure in Uyo.
According to him, Obong Samuel Peter had to put up in Ikot Ekpene after getting frightened in Uyo and lamented that his brother’s life is at risk with all these occurrences.
He said his brother has lost valuables worth millions of naira but was grateful to God that he had traveled two days before the incident happened.
A Police Report made available to this newspaper read: “ One Ukeme Christopher Peter ‘m’ of Aka Etinan Road, Uyo, but residing at No. 18b Ifuho Ikot Okpo off Aba Road, Ikot Ekpene L.G.A, came to the station today 09/10/2023 at about 14:30hrs and reported that on the 3rd day of October, 2023, at about 20:30hrs, five young armed men who he cannot identify if seen riding on two motorcycle, came into his brother’s house located at No. 18b Ifuho Ikot Okpo Street off Aba Road, Ikot Ekpene L.G.A.
“ That the gang stormed his brother’s residence and maliciously damaged properties in the apartment. He alleged that the gang later set the house ablaze. Valued of the properties damaged is yet estimated”.
In the meantime, some residents who exchanged views with the Paper in light of the alarming incident and the upcoming Yuletide, said, it was critical for the State Government to increase security measures in Uyo and throughout the state.
They opined that taking steps to bolster security and ensure the safety of residents and investors was essential to maintaining Akwa Ibom’s reputation as a peaceful and secure place to live and do business.
