The Ward 2 chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ukanafun local government area of Akwa Ibom State, Mr John Monday Marcus, has been killed in a bloody clash with members of a faction of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who refused to join Governor Umo Eno in APC following the recent gale of defections that hit the former ruling party in the State.
LEADERSHIP gathered that a popular politician from the Ward, who recently ditched the PDP for APC, had donated money to his new party to appreciate grassroot leaders from both political parties, but the late APC Ward chairman hijacked the cash, forcing angry PDP members to attack him with clubs and broken bottles.
An eyewitness, Mfon Akpan, recalled that, “even some APC members were annoyed by his action and descended on him, smashing his head with broken bottles, leading to a free -for-all fight at the venue of the meeting.
“The action of the deceased infuriated the APC faithful who descended on him and smashed his head with bottle and he died on the spot. His remains have been deposited in the mortuary,” he said.
LEADERSHIP gathered that following the recent defection of Governor Eno from PDP to APC, he remains in charge of both PDP and APC affairs in order to control the party structures ahead of 2027 elections.
Meanwhile, family members of the deceased have expressed shock, describing his demise as shocking to the family and the party.
A statement signed by Ukanafun LGA chapter publicity secretary of APC, Hon. Stanley Sunday Peter, a copy of which was made available to journalists in Uyo, the state capital, said the death of the late Marcus was not only shocking to the party members in the Ward, but has also reverberated throughout the entire APC family in the area and the state.
“Late John Monday was a committed party loyalist, he was known for his unwavering dedication to the growth and unity of the APC in the ward.
“He played a pivotal role in mobilising support for the party in past elections and was widely respected for his humility, discipline and selfless service to the party and his community.
“As a party, we express our deep sorrow over the loss, noting that his death is a painful reminder of the fragility of life,” the statement read.
Also,mthe Akwa Ibom State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, confirmed the incident and assured that the Police would carry out investigation on the matter with a view to fishing out the perpetrators for prosecution.
“Yes, we aware of the incident and investigation is ongoing to bring perpetrators of the crime to book,” the Police spokeswoman assured.
