Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has called for peace in warring communities in the state, News About Nigeria reports.
The governor made this call on Saturday while visiting the centre of the communal clash between Ibeno, Eket, and Esit Eket Local Government Areas to see the extent of damage that occurred in the area.
He urged those behind the wanton destruction to cease, as he had credible intelligence on their activities, adding that if it persists, those responsible will be made to face the law and suffer the consequences of their actions.
“I have credible intelligence on those who are sponsoring our young people to go out and cause this mayhem.
“After this warning today, if this happens again, I can assure you that the government will call you out, pick you up and you will face the penalty squarely.
“So I want to appeal to our political gladiators to stop taking sides and fanning the embers of disunity. We are leaders and we cannot be sponsoring young people to take the laws into their own hands. We will not allow it,” he said.
He further disclosed that he had to evacuate 16 people who were wounded in the course of these unfortunate clashes, taking them to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
He urged the chairmen of the warring local government councils to step up and maintain peace in their councils, adding that a recurrence might result in them being removed.
“I want to say this to the chairmen of the three local government councils: You have the responsibility to
maintain law and order in your respective domains. If any of this should happen again in your domains, you know you are transition chairmen; I will remove you immediately, and I promise you, I will!” he added.
