
Dennis Udoma, Uyo
Emotions and tears were let loose at Okoyo village, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom, as the remains of late musician, Nkereuwem Ime Johnson were buried on Wednesday.
The deceased was killed alongside his colleague at Ikot Ese community in the neighbouring Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, while returning from a night vigil organized by the New Church, Ikot Ese, where they were hired to perform gospel songs for the night service.
It was learnt that the villages bordering Ikot Ese in Obong Ntak group of villages are controlled by a notorious cult group, which has been terrorizing the axis, seizing cash, valuables and raping young girls.
After watching his son buried, the deceased’s father, Ime Johnson Ekeke lamented: “My son did not go out to steal; he was like any other struggling young man who was hired by the Church to come and play with his band for the worshipers for a fee.
“I will only be consoled and the tension in me calmed when justice is done in this case because it is very painful for a father to bury his children; when it should be the other way round.
“Therefore, my appeal to the Police is that they should go after these criminals, who may not be far from the location where they shot and killed my son.”
Meanwhile, the Police have vowed that the matter would be investigated, and urged members of the public to volunteer information on criminal elements in their neighbourhoods.
Weeks after the incident, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr. Amiengheme Andrew had visited Etim Ekpo Council Chairman, Mr. Imeh Afia at a security meeting convened to strategize on how to reverse the trend.