The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has confirmed an alleged attack on Inua Eyet Ikot, an oil-producing community in Ibeno Local Government Area (LGA), reportedly carried out by hoodlums from the neighbouring Eket community.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Eket, noting that the incident occurred in the early hours of Friday.
“We are aware of the attack, and efforts are ongoing to track down the perpetrators. The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, has given clear directives to ensure those responsible are apprehended,” John said.
Casualties and Damage
A local source, who spoke under anonymity, reported that the attack began at around 1:30 a.m., during which five individuals sustained gunshot wounds and were currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Ibeno. The same source confirmed that 12 people were injured overall, while property and homes valued in the millions of naira were vandalised and set ablaze.
“We were awakened by gunshots around 1:30 a.m. and had to call the police immediately. Security personnel were deployed swiftly to intervene,” the source added.
The attack has left many residents displaced, with several seeking refuge in churches and homes of relatives outside the community.
Fifth Attack in Recent Times
Another eyewitness lamented that this was the fifth such incident involving alleged hoodlums from Eket and Esit Eket LGAs targeting communities in Ibeno.
“These recurring attacks have further raised serious concerns about the safety and peace of Ibeno, a community that contributes nearly 80 per cent of Akwa Ibom’s oil revenue,” the eyewitness said.
He condemned the continued violence, which has led to the destruction of lives and property, and issued an urgent appeal to Governor Umo Eno, security agencies, and concerned stakeholders to intervene.
“The state and federal governments must prioritise peace in this vital region. We can’t afford to let these senseless attacks continue unchecked,” he said.
