Date Published: 12/11/09
Sir
The Assassination Of Barrister Umoh Udonwa
Based on knowledge and strengthened by a report in COMPASS newspaper of November 21, 2009 (pages 12 and 45), it is a fact that Barrister Obong Umoh OffiongUdonwa, principal partner of Enoabasi Chambers, Nkemba Street, Uyo, and owner of a number of petrol filling stations in Uyo metropolis was shot and killed on October 13, 2009 by suspected assassins that rode on motorbikes. Udonwa returned to Uyo from Calabar that fateful evening after taking his 17-year old son, Emmanuel, for an aptitude test at the University of Calabar. The family members are crying foul and live in fears.
Governor Godswill Akpabio while inaugurating a 13-member committee on the registration and regulation of commercial motorcycle operators in the State was quoted as saying that “Udonwa was killed by motorcyclists”. However, the lawyers in the State disagree with the governor and had planned a mass protest to draw attention on general insecurity in the State and to urge government to fish out killers of Udonwa. Unfortunately the protest was temporarily suspended by an appeal of government functionaries that pleaded for the arrival of Governor Akpabio who was out of the State then; but till now, nothing has been heard from government.
It is a fact that many assassinations have taken place in Akwa Ibom in recent years and none of the cases has been handled to acceptable conclusion. Most people are afraid and do not know whose turn it could be next. Many are disturbed that a State which prides self as the richest oil State now; instead of being more secured is worse for it. There is, sincerely speaking, fears in the State; this is a situation that never existed before now in Akwa Ibom State that once was known as the most secured and peaceful in the volatile Niger Delta region. Some notable indigenes have more fears and occasionally stay out of the State while some allegedly show solidarity to government in place, out of fear.
Johnbull Okon, Mariam Extension, CALABAR
( jokonosung@yahoo.com ) |
