Sad! How gunmen killed VP on Akwa Ibom school premises

Unidentified gunmen have killed the Vice Principal of Community Secondary School, Nkek, Mr. Aniekeme Essien, in the Ukanafun Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

It was learnt that Essien was shot on Wednesday at about 11.48am on the school premises by armed men, led by a leader of a wanted criminal gang in the area.

Our correspondent gathered that the gunmen entered the school in a commando style and opened fire on the VP, who died on the spot.

Students and other teachers were said to have run helter-skelter in the confusion that followed the murder.

It was gathered that Essien had received a letter a few days ago from the gunmen, demanding that he either paid N1m or be killed.

It was further gathered that the gang was the same that killed Paragi, one of the  popular youth leaders in the area, a month ago.

It was learnt that since 2015, Ukanafun LGA, once known for peace, had become a flashpoint, owing to conflicts and leadership tussles, resulting in the killings of citizens.

Among those killed were a former Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Obong Uwah, immediate past Secretary of the Ukanafun Local Government Transition Committee, Mr. Ime Atakpa and a lawyer, Udeme Etukudo.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. Chukwu Ikechukwu, who confirmed the latest incident, added that the police were on the trail of the gang.

He said, “We are on the trail of the gang. We will get them.”Punch