Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing of the Ward Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in the Bendeghe Ekiem community, Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State, Ayuk Ogar.  He was said to have been shot dead along with three other party supporters.

Orgar and others were allegedly killed in Bendeghe on Saturday during a gun duel between supporters of the PDP and the All Progressives Congress. The clash occurred shortly after leaders of both parties in the area signed a peace pact to ensure violence-free elections.  

It was gathered that several others sustained injuries during the clash and were receiving treatment at the Ikom General Hospital. A chieftain of the PDP and Special Assistant to Governor Ben Ayade on Cocoa Development, Oscar Ofuka, said trouble started when leaders of the APC and the PDP concluded signing a peace accord following clashes between members of both parties.  

He alleged, “dissatisfied with the development, members of the APC, who were armed with guns and machetes, opened fire on unarmed PDP supporters and villagers. Among the dead was Mr Ayuk Ogar, the PDP Ward Chairman of Bendeghe Ekiem. Right now, the people of Bendeghe Ekiem are living in fear and require urgent security attention to protect their lives and property.”

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Irene Ugbo, confirmed the incident, but said only one person died.  “One person was killed and we have arrested four persons in connection with the incident. The suspects will be transferred to Calabar on Monday (today) for further investigation,” she said.