By fresh gist
The people of Ikot Obio Offong in Ibesikpo Asutan local government area of AKwa Ibom state are living in fear of their neighbours from Ikot Ekwere village who allegedly attacked them over protracted land dispute .
Speaking to newsmen on Sunday at the palace of the Village Head of Ikot Obio Offong , one of the family heads chief Sunday Etim Nyong said on 27th April , 2022 at about 11-12pm , some youths from Ikot Ekwere village numbering over 200 invaded the village chanting war songs with several gunshots .
Continuing, Chief Nyong said the hoodlums were also chanting slogans of different cult groups such as "lion!" , "bargo" challenging the people of Ikot Obio Offong to come out for a fight .
He said the youths suspected to have come from Ikot Ekwere village entered the village from the first house invading different compounds breaking house window glasses , burnt down houses and motor cars parked in the compound while one house was burnt down .
" They looted some household properties such as TV sets , stole money in many houses , rape women and burnt down one house completely while we escaped into the bush
" They also burnt down one Toyota Camry car belonging to the son of the village head Christopher Ephraim and wounded many people in the compound .
Nyong noted that over 20 houses were burnt down while domestic animals, money and other belongings were carted away .
He explained that what surprised the people was that after reporting the matter to police at Ibesikpo Asutan police division who later came for inspection, the hoodlums reinforced and return for another attack in broad daylight the following day .
The family head stated that the police from the state headquarters also reinforced in about five Hilux vehicles to rescue residents of Ikot Obio Offong .
" This time property worth over N85m was destroyed and another house belonging to one Aniebiet Edet Eyo was razed down .
" One of the suspects identified as Innocent Essien from Ikot Ekwere shot a policeman in the rescue team during the cross fire between the hoodlums and the police"
" The suspect is now in Ikot Ekpene Correctional Centre awaiting trial . I believe he must have mentioned members of their gang who are now at large "
He accused the village head of Ikot Ekwere and former Head of Service in AKwa Ibom Obong Akpa Inyang of masterminding the attack as he was found at the police station making effort to bail one of the suspects now in prison .
He said while the matter was in the police , the Paramount Ruler of Ibesikpo Asutan local government area Nsobom Nsidibe Ekong issued native injunction (ayei) to stopped further hostilities .
He said the peace deal failed as the people of Ikot Ekwere have issued fresh notice of attack against Ikot Obio Offong people .
" As we speak now , they can strike anytime and kill people this time . we are not safe. " he said
He therefore urged the state government to call the village council of Ikot Ekwere to order to avoid impending bloodshed .
Contacted , the Police Public Relations for AKwa Ibom SP Odiko Mcdon said the crisis in the affected communities is being investigated .
" Investigation is ongoing clampdown on those who escaped while others arrested have been charged to court " he said
One of the houses burnt down during attack on Ikot Obio Offong village in Ibesikpo Asutan local government area , AKwa Ibom state recently
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