There is tension in Inua Eyet Ikot Community in Ibeno local government area of Akwa Ibom State following recent attack on the community, allegedly by hoodlums from a neighbouring community of Esit Eket local government area of the state. Newsmen who were conducted round the affected areas on Saturday by some community leaders observed that several public schools and clinics, as well as some private homes, were destroyed during the attack.... CLICK TO READ THE FULL NEWS HERE▶▶
Addressing the newsmen, an emeritus village council chairman, Nta Edyang, expressed regret over the level of destruction, adding that facilities damaged were worth more than one hundred (100) million Naira.
His words, “A couple of days ago, we were woken up to the invasion from our Esit Eket neighbors at midnight with massive attacks on our farms, clinics, schools, and people’s homes, which were all brought down to rubbles.
“The invaders came at midnight well armed and people fled to the bushes, from where they heard them using sledgehammers and other destructive equipment to destroy properties we laboured to build to foundation level.
“The sole reason for the latest attack is not unconnected with ongoing petrochemical factory project which is being built in our community by BUA group. The hoodlums claimed our village is their land and even hosted a Flag after the destruction written,” Ibeno beware; we won’t tolerate your conspiracy with the state government to take our land.”
He stressed that matter was reported to the State Police Commissioner, who visited the area in the company of other security agencies and appealed to them to remain calm while the investigation is ongoing.
Also decrying incessant attack on them, the paramount ruler of Ibeno LGA, Owong Effiong Archianga, traced the genesis of the serial attacks on Ibeno Communities to the enormous natural resources deposited by God in their domain.
“Ibeno is blessed with oil and gas; the entire state is enjoying our wealth, we need peace to coexist and will not tolerate further aggression from our neighbors. All the areas, they are laying claims to belong to us.
“If the attack persists, we will defend ourselves, we are warriors and obollo people. I have appealed to Ibeno youths to remain calm. I am appealing to Elders, council chairmen of our neighboring council areas, to call their youths to order,” the Paramount Ruler said.
Adding, he appealed to the state government to intervene and bring succour to the community, stressing,
Government should replace the damaged property and help the displaced people recover from the shock of the atrocities.
“The government must not allow the repeat of what happened, more security should be deployed to Ibeno Communities to protect lives and property while the hoodlums must be apprehended to face the full weight of the law.”
Also speaking, the village head of Mkpanah community, Dennis Bassey Esenem, expressed the hope that the crisis will be permanently resolved with the determination of both Council Chairmen to restore peace to the area.
