A group of suspected robbers part of the Iceland cult allegedly attacked a commercial bus belonging to the Akwa Ibom Transport Company. The driver was killed in the attack while no fewer than eight passengers escaped with bullet wounds.
The incident happened around 1.22pm on Wednesday at the Edem Akai end of the Iwukem-Etim Ekpo-Abak highway, Akwa Ibom State.
PUNCH Metro sources reveal that the passenger bus, was caught in a rain of bullets fired by the assailant’s on it was back to Uyo from Etim Ekpo.
Udoesen Philips a witness, said the AKTC bus driver attempted to escape when the hoodlums, about six in number, opened fire on the bus at close range.
According to him, a woman and three other passengers, were hit by the bullets.
“They blocked the road and started robbing every vehicle. The AKTC bus ran into them. The driver was trying to escape when the militants started firing at close range.
“One woman and three other passengers were hit by bullets. The intensity of the pump-action rifle, AK-47 and other weapons, sparked fire and engulfed the driver.
“When I heard the gunshot, I escaped into Edem Akai Primary School on my motorcycle and watched the drama from afar. After robbing the passengers, they stopped an oncoming Toyota Camry, seized it from the owner and escaped with it.
“They took the untarred road through Udianga Enem into their base in Okoyo village, while others followed the stolen car with the motorcycles that they came with,” Philips said.
The group of thugs then went on to also rob nearby shops, including one owned by one Udoma Ekah, while the owners ran to safety.
Policemen, who usually had a checkpoint up at the Ikot Nya section of the highway, were said to have fled in their van.
Odiko Ogbeche the state Police Public Relations Officer, verified the incident, but stated he was yet to be fully briefed by the Area Commander and the Etim Ekpo Divisional Police Officer.