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

Mrs. Elizabeth Ekpenyong, the widow late chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party in Akwa Ibom State, Obong Udo Ekpenyong, was killed when a fire broke out at her house in Uyo, the state capital.

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

The Secretary, Transition Committee of Ukanafun local government Area of the state, Udeme Idiong, confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday, December 26.

According to the statement, the council chairman has sought the approval of the state government to withdraw all Ukanafun contingent in the ongoing Christmas Carol activity scheduled to be held on December 28, 2023.

The statement added that the transition committee’s chairman, Godwin Ekpe, has declared seven days of mourning in honour of the deceased.

“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.”

Late Ekpenyong died in January 19, 2021, from complications traceable to Covid-19.