Tension has erupted in Inua Eyet Ikot Community, Ibeno Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, following a midnight shock attack by suspected armed militia from neighboring Esit Eket.
The violence is reportedly linked to the ongoing construction of a petrochemical factory by BUA Group, which has caused divisions between the neighboring communities.
Village council chairman Nta Edyang described how the armed attackers vandalized properties while residents fled for safety.
“A couple of days ago, we were woken up to the invasion from our Esit Eket neighbors at midnight with massive attacks on our farms, clinic, schools, and people’s homes, which were all brought down.
“The invaders came at midnight well-armed, and people fled to the bushes, from where they heard them using sledgehammers and other destructive equipment to destroy properties we labored to build.
“The sole reason for the latest attack is not unconnected with the ongoing petrochemical factory project built in our community by BUA Group. The hoodlums claimed our village was their land and even hoisted a flag after the destruction, written, ‘Ibeno, beware, we won’t tolerate your conspiracy with the state government to take our land.’”
He boasted that “Ibeno is blessed with oil and gas” and that the lands the attackers covet “belong to us.”
Chief Edyang warned the Esit Eket youths to realize that the Ibeno people are warriors. He threatened, “If the attack persists, we will defend ourselves.”
According to the village chief, the damaged goods are worth more than N100 million, and he wants the state government to “replace the damaged property and help the displaced people recover from the shock of the atrocities” in the interest of peace.
The state police commissioner has been informed, and he, along with security agencies, has visited the area. Police say they are investigating the incident.
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