Group demands communal killings in Akwa Ibom communities probed

A group, Enwang Professionals, has called on the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, to set up a panel of inquiry to probe killings of innocent people during the communal crisis between Uko Akpan Enwang and Ukonteghe Uda in Mbo Local Government Area of the state.

It was gathered that more than ten people were killed, women raped and property estimated at several million of naira destroyed in fresh hostilities which started on Monday, January 18, 2021 between the two warring factions.

As part of measures to end the lingering crisis, the state government had threatened to seize the disputed land and establish a plantation that would be of benefit to the two warring communities

But the group in a statement on Monday by it Coordinator and Secretary, Barr. Godwin Effiong and Okon Emmanuel respectively said such inquiry was imperative so as to unmask the masterminds of the mayhem and award compensation to deserving individuals and persons.

Besides, the group noted that the inquiry would also help in putting to rest once and for all, the festering communal crisis which has claimed many lives over the years and ensured the restoration of enduring peace and tranquility in the crisis-scarred area.

“The killing is a blatant and criminal violation of the constitutional right to life and liberty of innocent people of Uko Akpan in particular and Enwang in general.

“We, therefore call on governor, Udom Emmanuel, being the chief security officer, to inaugurate a Judicial Panel of Inquiry to probe and or dig into the four day unprovoked attacks and killings by marauding youths from Uko Nteghe Uda.

“We believe that if the incessant menace is not checked or nipped in the bud, it will one day degenerate into a conflagration which will not augur well for the smooth take off of the proposed federal and state governments’ investments in the area, especially the Ibom Deep-sea Port, Ibom Industrial City and the Oil and Gas facility. As we all know, no development can thrive in an area wracked by rancour and bloodbath. A stitch in time saves nine.” the statement said.