Ibeno Residents Cry for Help Amid Insecurity in Akwa Ibom

Residents of Ibeno Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State have called for help against the destruction of life and property caused by the people of Eket and Esit Eket Local Government Areas under the aegis of the Coalition of Coastal Aboriginal Communities of Akwa Ibom.

The conflict arose as a result of heritage claims that date back to pre-independence times, but the state government is constrained by the ongoing court actions on the subject matter.

The state government has urged all parties to either await the court’s judgment or explore peaceful means to resolve their issues.

In the early hours of February 27, 2024, members of the Coalition invaded and attacked the Ibeno people, killing three persons, maiming many others, and burning down over 24 houses, including the Four Square Church in Iwuachang.

A resident, Mr. Ekpo Emmanuel, alleged that the invasion and attack is sponsored and claimed that the group has concrete evidence to support their allegations.

Another resident, Mr. Otukere Okon, questioned the motive behind the protest, arguing that if the intention was genuine, the House of Assembly, Judiciary Headquarters, or Government House would have been more appropriate venues for the demonstration.

The Transition Committee Chairman of Ibeno, Hon. Emma Ibok, confirmed the incident and said he was taking inventory of casualties and the level of destruction.

He also mentioned that some people had been hospitalized and that they were trying to verify the number of casualties.

In response to the situation, the state government has called for peace to reign to avoid further loss of life and damage to property.

They have maintained that they will not surrender their primary duty of protecting lives and property for any reason.

Traditional and political leaders are also advised to act as enablers of peace and not catalysts of conflict.

The Ibeno residents are now looking to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for help in resolving this issue and preventing further escalation of violence.