Mkpat Enin Ticket Violence kingpin Akanimo Ikpe Indicts Self, Confesses To Not Being LG Revenue Agent ...murder culprits in hiding as Police closes in; LG Chairman absolved of any wrongdoings

Akanimo Ikpe, a Personal Assistant to Governor Umo Eno and a major kingpin fingered in the recent violence in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, which has led to loss of one life has conceded his earlier position, confessing that he is actually, not a revenue agent for the Local Government.

Recall that the new Mkpat Enin Transition Committee leadership led by Hon. Mercy Bassey on assumption of office in early December  2023, had dissolved all standing Committees in the LGA, and subsequently declared tax holiday for all markets in the Area.

However, on December 23, 2023, some thugs allegedly led by Akanimo Ikpe, who himself, has been acting as a self-styled revenue tout for one Samruf Technical Services, for the past few years, stormed the two main markets, Ukam and Akpudo to sell illegal tickets. The action of Akanimo Ikpe and his hooligans was reportedly met with stiff resistance by youths of the community.

Later that night, a prominent youth in Ikot Akpabong, where Akpudo market is located and one of the leading enforcers of the tax holiday, Samuel Monday Toby was murdered in cold blood at his house, in front of his wife and children. 

According to community sources, the assailants were said to be working on the orders of Akanimo Ikpe and the Village Head of Ikot Akpabong, Eteidung Aniefiok Udom, who is now at large as one of the prime suspects in the case.

Days ago, Mr. Ikpe, probably conscious of the enormity of his involvement in the horrendous crimes, in a release, stirred up controversy, by trying to rope in the Transition Committee Chairman into the tragic melee.

However, a counter release signed by the Secretary of council, Pastor Afia Amos and another signed by the Dean of Supervisors, Mkpat Enin, Barr. Daniel Hilary, have absolved Hon. Bassey of any wrongdoings or involvement and place the issue in the proper light for the public.

Now, in a leaked audio making the rounds on social media, Akanimo Ikpe, was heard saying on a phone call to a journalist, that he has never been a revenue agent for the Local Government Area. The audio is generating widespread outrage, with many questioning his earlier grandstanding on the Transition Committee Chairman in his Press Release, as if he has ever been contracted by the Council on Revenue.

Meanwhile, Mrs Gift Samuel Monday, wife of late Samuel Monday Toby, has written a petition to the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police.

In the petition dated 29th December, 2023, Mrs Monday revealed that her husband was killed by armed men, suspected to have been sponsored and instructed by the village head of Ikot Akpaobong, Eteidung Aniefiok Cyril Udom, in cohorts with Akanimo Ikpe.

Top sources can confirm that, the State Police Command, are following the case diligently. So far, many arrests have been made, as the Force continues to narrow in on  he prime suspects. The Transition Committee Chairman, Hon. Mercy Bassey, who has enjoyed widespread support by the people, and as the Chief Security Officer of the LGA, is said to be cooperating with the security agencies, where necessary.