June 20, (THEWILL) – The people of Ikot Obio Offong in Ibesikpo Asutan local government area of Akwa Ibom state, have sent a Save Our Soul (SOS) to the state Government and security agencies, alleging that they are living in fear of incessant attacks from their neighbours in Ikot Ekwere village over a protracted land dispute.
Narrating their ordeal to THEWILL on Sunday, at the palace of the Village Head of Ikot Obio Offong, one of the family heads, Chief Sunday Nyong, recounted that on 27th April, 2022, at about 11pm, some youths from Ikot Ekwere village, numbering over 200, invaded the village chanting war songs and shooting sporadically in the air.
He said the hoodlums were also chanting slogans of different popular cult groups in the area, such as “lion!” , “bargo” and challenging the people of Ikot Obio Offong to come out for a fight.
According to Chief Nyong, the irate youths invaded the village from the first compound, breaking glass windows and doors, burnt down some houses and vehicles parked in some compounds.
“They looted some household items such as TV sets, stole money in many houses, raped women and burnt down one house completely, while we escaped into the bush.
“They also burnt down one Toyota Camry car, belonging to the son of the village head, Christopher Ephraim and wounded many people in the Chief’s compound.
Nyong noted that over 20 houses were burnt down, while domestic animals, money and other belongings were carted away.
He expressed shock, that after the incident was reported to the police at Ibesikpo Asutan police division, who later came for inspection, the hoodlums reinforced and returned for another attack the following day in broad daylight.
The family head, who is the spokesman for the village, stated that the police from the state headquarters had to reinforce in about five Hilux vehicles to rescue residents of Ikot Obio Offong during the second attack even as some suspects were arrested.
“This time, property worth over N100m was destroyed and another house belonging to one Aniebiet Edet Eyo, was completely razed down.
“One of the suspects identified as Innocent Essien, from Ikot Ekwere, shot a policeman in the rescue team during the cross fire between the hoodlums and the police.
“The suspect is now in Ikot Ekpene Correctional Centre awaiting trial. I believe he must have mentioned members of their gang who are now at large.”
Chief Nyong, however, accused the village head of Ikot Ekwere and former Head of Service in Akwa Ibom, Obong Akpa Inyang, of masterminding the attack, as he was seen at the police station making effort to bail suspects arrested for the dastardly act.
He mentioned that even the peace deal attempted by the Paramount Ruler of Ibesikpo Asutan, Nsobom Nsidibe Ekong, by issuing native injunction (ayei) to stop further hostilities, seemed to have failed, as the people of Ikot Ekwere have issued fresh notice of attack against Ikot Obio Offong people.
“As we speak now, they can strike anytime and kill people this time. we are not safe”, he alarmed.
He called on the state government to call the village council of Ikot Ekwere to order to avoid impending bloodshed.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer for Akwa Ibom State Command, SP Odiko Mcdon, said the crisis in the affected community is being investigated.
“Investigation is ongoing, we have clamped down on some of those who escaped, while others arrested have been charged to court”, he said.
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