By Peter Omopo
Ibeno, Akwa Ibom | August 4, 2025 —
At least 12 people have been hospitalized and multiple houses razed following a fresh outbreak of violence in Inua Eyet Ikot, Ibeno Local Government Area (LGA) of Akwa Ibom State. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, has been blamed on alleged attackers from neighbouring Eket LGA.
The long-standing land dispute between the two LGAs over the control of the Stubbs Creek Reserve has been the source of recurring clashes, leading to loss of lives and destruction of properties running into millions of naira.
According to eyewitnesses, the latest assault happened around 1:30 a.m. and caught residents unawares. One of the victims, identified as Daniel Asuquo, popularly known as “Dan Baba,” sustained gunshot wounds while attempting to flee the scene.
“We heard gunshots and immediately called the police,” one resident said. “Although the police responded quickly, the attackers had fled by the time they arrived. Dan Baba was found lying in a pool of blood and was rushed to a nearby health facility.”
Several homes and properties were vandalised and set ablaze during the raid. Eyewitnesses claim this is the fifth attack on the Ibeno community in recent times, allegedly perpetrated by elements from Eket and Esit Eket LGAs.
“This renewed hostility is linked to the boundary adjustment and re-mapping exercises introduced by the former administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel,” a member of the local vigilante group told reporters.
A displaced victim now seeking shelter in Eastern Obolo LGA said the attack has reignited concerns about the safety and stability of Ibeno, which contributes significantly to Nigeria’s oil revenue.
“Ibeno hosts vital oil installations and multinationals. These attacks threaten not just local lives but the national economy,” he said.
Community stakeholders have called on Governor Umo Eno, security agencies, and emergency response bodies, including the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to intervene and prevent further violence.
Confirming the incident, the state Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, assured that an investigation had commenced and security operatives had been deployed to restore order.
“We are determined to bring the perpetrators to justice,” he said. “No stone will be left unturned.”
