Nelson Utip
The communal crisis between communities in Esit Eket and Ibeno LGAs of Akwa Ibom state has resulted in hoodlums suspected to be from Esit Eket invading the oil-rich Inua Eyet Ikot community in Ibeno Local Government Area, destroying properties worth millions of Naira. The indigenes of the affected Community fled their homes and sought refuge in bushes.
Ibeno plays host to ExxonMobil, Qua Iboe terminal facility and the BUA’s petrol chemical factory under construction.
The incident took place over the weekend and was said to be an aftermath of a land dispute between the two communities. Houses were seen in rubbles and a hoisted flag with the inscription:
“Ibeno beware, we won’t tolerate your conspiracy with the state government to take our land.”
Nta Edyang, the former Village Council Chairman, evaluated the damage at over 100 million naira:
“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.”Edyang said.
The Paramount Ruler of Ibeno Local Government Area, Owong (Prof) Effiong Archianga said the cause of the fracas is the enormous natural resources deposit in his domain.
” 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”.HRM. Achianga said while appealling to the state government to step in to bring succour to the destroyed community so as to assauge their feelings and set the tone for a 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”. He said.
However, the state government collaborating with security agencies have visited the affected area to access the damage, the Chairpersons of Ibeno and Esit Eket LGAs, Mrs Glory Ekah Effiong and Mrs Uduak Ikemesit Ikott respectively are taking steps that will ensure a permanent peace in the communities.
