Oil Communities In AkwaIbom Lock Horns In Communal Crisis: Hoodlums Destroy Schools, Clinics, Market

Hoodlums launched a violent raid on the oil-rich community of Inua Eyet Ikot in Akwa Ibom’s Ibeno Local Government Area, destroying properties valued at millions of naira and forcing residents to flee their homes.

The incident, which unfolded late Friday night, left many villagers seeking safety in nearby forests as attackers wreaked havoc across the community.

Ibeno is a prominent hub, hosting the ExxonMobil Qua Iboe terminal and the upcoming BUA petrochemical plant. However, the ongoing development projects have stoked tensions in the area, with conflict flaring between Ibeno and the neighboring Esit Eket Local Government Area over disputed land claims.

Upon visiting the scene, evidence of destruction was widespread, with homes reduced to rubble and a flag bearing a stark warning that read, “Ibeno beware, we won’t tolerate your conspiracy with the state government to take our land.” The message underscores deep-seated animosity rooted in longstanding land ownership disagreements.

Nta Edyang, the former village council chairman, estimated the value of the destroyed structures, farmland, and communal facilities at over 100 million naira. Reflecting on the attack, Edyang said, “The assailants came in the dead of night, heavily armed. Our people fled into the woods, helplessly listening as the invaders used sledgehammers and other tools to tear down the structures we worked so hard to build.”

According to Edyang, the latest outbreak of violence is likely tied to the construction of the BUA petrochemical plant in Ibeno. “The attackers believe that our community encroaches upon their land and are using this belief to justify these assaults,” he added.

Following the incident, the Akwa Ibom State Police Commissioner visited the affected area with a team of law enforcement personnel to assess the damage and urge residents to remain calm as investigations proceed. Owong (Prof.) Effiong Archianga, the paramount ruler of Ibeno, expressed concern over the recurrent attacks, attributing them to the natural wealth in the region. Archianga said, “Our community is blessed with resources, and we have long suffered from these assaults. If the attacks persist, we will have to defend ourselves. We are a resilient people and have the right to protect our land.”

Archaianga also urged the youth of Ibeno to avoid retaliatory violence and appealed to leaders of neighboring councils to take measures to prevent further escalation. The paramount ruler called on the state government to provide relief to the affected residents and help them recover from the trauma of the assault. “The government should assist in rebuilding our damaged properties and providing resources to those who have been displaced. Increased security presence is also essential to protect lives and property while ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice

.”In response to the incident, the state government, alongside security agencies, conducted a thorough assessment of the area, working to develop a strategy to prevent further unrest. Ibeno’s Local Government Chairman, Mrs. Glory Ekah Effiong, and her Esit Eket counterpart, Mrs. Uduak Ikemesit Ikott, have also pledged to work toward a permanent peace agreement between the neighboring communities.

Obong Dennis Bassey Esenem, the village head of Mkpanak in Ibeno, voiced optimism that a sustainable resolution could be achieved through the determined efforts of the two council leaders. He praised their commitment to fostering peace and restoring stability to the region, expressing hope that their leadership will bring about lasting harmony between Ibeno and Esit Eket.