Hoodlums have invaded the oil-rich Inua Eyet Ikot community in Ibeno local government area of Akwa Ibom state and destroyed properties worth millions of Naira.
The incident which occurred Friday night had natives fleeing their homes to seek refuge in the bush.
Ibeno hosts the ExxonMobil, Qua Iboe terminal facility and also the BUA’s petrol chemical factory under construction under its domain.
The attack, which was said not to be the first time was a result of the crisis between Ibeno and its neighbouring Esit Eket local government over land ownership.
A visit to the attacked community showed peoples’ houses and other public facilities in rubbles and a flag hoisted at the centre reading, “Ibeno beware, we won’t tolerate your conspiracy with the state government to take our land.”
Speaking with the former village council chairman, Nta Edyang over the incident, he claimed that the damaged buildings, farms and other facilities were valued at over 100 million naira.
Narrating the incident, he said, “The invaders came at midnight well armed and people fled to the bushes, from where they hear them using sledge hammers 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 the ongoing petrochemical factory project which is being built in our community by BUA group. The hoodlums claimed our village is their land.
“We have reported the matter to the State Police Commissioner who visited the area in the company of other security agencies to see the level of damage and appealed to us to remain calm while investigation is ongoing.”
Also speaking, the paramount ruler of the Ibeno local government area, Owong (Prof) Effiong Archianga traced the genesis of the serial attacks in Ibeno communities to the enormous natural resources deposited by God in their domain and warned against further attack
According to the paramount ruler, ” 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 neighbouring council areas to call their youths to order”.
The Paramount ruler appealed to the state government to intervene and bring succour to the destroyed community and others earlier burnt down to assuage their feelings and encourage the healing process.
“The 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”.
Meanwhile, the state government in conjunction with security agencies have visited the affected area for further investigations and the chairman of the Ibeno local government area Mrs Glory Ekah Effiong and her Esit Eket counterpart, Mrs Uduak Ikemesit Ikott are working to ensure that permanent Peace reign between the two neighboring councils.
Obong Dennis Bassey Esenem, the village head of Mkpanak community in Ibeno who expressed hope that the crisis will be permanently resolved acknowledged the determination of both female Council Chairmen to restore peace to the area.
Communal Crisis: Hoodlums invade Akwa Ibom oil community, destroy property worth millions
