9th May, 2012
Barrister Mercy Ephraim, the petite wife of Okon Ephraim representing Calabar South in the Cross River State House of Assembly, southsouth Nigeria, has been killed by gas explosion in her kitchen.
The 32- year old lady, was killed alongside her 20-year old sister who is a medical student of the University of Calabar.
She was said to be preparing a meal in her home at the weekend when the gas cylinder she was cooking was exploded and fire engulfed the kitchen, leaving her with severe burns.
The lady, who was rushed to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, died a few hours after and her body and that of her younger sister were deposited in the mortuary.
“The burns were so severe that she was crying all through and later died,” a source at UCTH told P.M.NEWS.
“We can’t understand what is happening. Last year his lawmaker’s elder brother who was a teacher was electrocuted right in his room. Now she and her sister have died from fire burns. It is really pathetic,” the source said.
The demise of the mother of one has left the lawmaker distraught.
The Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, who commiserated with Ephraim, said Mrs. Ephraim died at her prime and at the time her exceptional endowments and abilities were most needed in the service of her father land.
He said Ephraim has lost a trusted confidant, reliable, faithful friend and loving companion, adding that he received the sad news with utmost grief and a profound sense of loss .
“Her exit has certainly robbed you and the rest of the family of her priceless friendship and love which over the years endeared her to all,” Imoke said.
The Governor encouraged Ephraim to be consoled by the fact that his wife lived an exemplary life, leaving her indelible marks on the sands of time, and urged him to draw strength from her inspiring work in the service of God and humanity.
—Emma Una/Calabar