The residents of Ibeno Local Government Area, in Akwa Ibom State, have lamented over the worsening rate of insecurity in the area, supposedly by the people of Eket and Esit Eket Local Government Areas under the aegis of the Coalition of Coastal Aboriginal Communities, News About Nigeria reports.
This is coming after an attack was launched on the Ibeno people in the early hours of Tuesday, February 27, 2024, by members of the Coalition.
Recall that there was an attempt of arson on the Mobil filling station along QIT Road, Ibeno, owned by one Samuel Ekpenyong, where three people were killed, several others injured, and over 24 houses, including Four Square Church in Iwuachang, a community in Ibeno, were burned down.
One of the residents, identified as Mr. Otukere Okon, stated that the attack was a planned activity, adding that the idea of protesting the non-implementation of government policies was just an excuse to block the only access routes to the community, invade, and attack the people.
“It is a planned delineation of the Obolo people from Akwa Ibom State. We know those playing the drum of war. They must be stopped now before it escalates.
“Wouldn’t the House of Assembly or the Judiciary Headquarters or Government House have been a better ground for protest, if the intention was genuine and sincere?” He said.
He added that there was more to the attack and therefore called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to come to their rescue.
Another resident, Mr. Emmanuel, also stated that every investigation and groundwork has been done, maintaining that there is concrete evidence.
“We appeal to our dear Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, not to toe the path of his predecessor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, who created the whole problem through his remapping agenda,” he added.
