Crime

Gunmen Attack Akwa Ibom Communities, Destroy Schools and Clinics

Published by Tope Fakinlede on November 19th, 2024.

Gunmen Attack Akwa Ibom Communities, Destroy Schools and Clinics

Tension has gripped the Inua Eyet Ikot community in Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State after a violent midnight assault on Saturday by suspected armed militants from the neighboring Esit Eket.

Reports gathered by First Class Gists on Sunday indicate that the ongoing construction of a petrochemical plant by BUA Group in the area has sparked tension between the two communities, fueling the latest wave of violence.

Several public facilities, including schools, clinics, and numerous homes, were severely damaged during the attack, with losses running into millions of naira.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the village council chairman, Nta Edyang, expressed his dismay over the destruction, revealing that the total damage exceeded N100 million. He recounted the traumatic events, saying, “We were startled in the middle of the night by an attack from our Esit Eket neighbors. Their assailants, armed with heavy tools, destroyed our farmlands, health clinics, schools, and homes.”

“The attackers came under the cover of darkness, forcing many residents to flee into the bush. We could hear the sound of sledgehammers and other heavy tools demolishing the properties we had painstakingly built. The attackers claimed that our land belonged to them and even raised a flag with a warning, stating, ‘Ibeno, beware. We won’t tolerate your conspiracy with the government to take our land.’”

The incident has been reported to the state police, and the police commissioner, accompanied by other security officials, visited the affected community on Sunday, urging residents to stay calm as investigations continue.

The paramount ruler of Ibeno, Owong Effiong Archianga, told journalists that the ongoing series of attacks on the region stems from the area’s rich natural resources, particularly its oil and gas reserves, which are of great economic value to the state.

“Ibeno is blessed with natural resources that fuel the state’s economy,” he said. “We want peace, but we will not tolerate any further aggression from our neighbors. All the land they claim belongs to us. If these attacks continue, we will defend ourselves. We are warriors. I call on the elders and local government chairmen of Esit Eket to caution their youths.”

He also appealed to the state government for intervention, requesting that the authorities help restore the damaged properties and support the displaced individuals. He emphasized the need for increased security in the area to prevent further violence and called for the swift arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.

The village head of Mkpanah, Dennis Bassey Esenem, expressed optimism that with the commitment of local leaders, a lasting solution to the conflict could be reached and peace restored to the troubled region.