Tragedy as scores killed, houses razed in communal clash

By Enekorogha Godbless
& Teide Emomotimi

Yet to be disclosed residents have been allegedly killed in a communal clash between Ibeno indigenes and the Ilaje residents, mostly fishermen in Akwa Ibom state on Wednesday.

It was learnt several houses and properties were razed in the incident.

A close source said there was a fierce gun duel where both sides suffered serious causalities.

When newsmen contacted the State Police Public Relations Officer, Odiko Macdon, he said the command was not aware of the crisis but promised to respond at the time of filing this report.

The incident was confirmed by an Ilaje indigene in Akwa Ibom state Barr. Oluwajuwon Ogunbiyi in a chart with the Nation where he described the situation as unfortunate and called on the State Government to constitute an enquiry committee to investigate the crisis.

The source said the Ilaje residents have flee the area over the persistent attack on their residence and properties by Ibeno community.

Acccording to him “It is quite unfortunate that this crisis has led to the loss of innocent lives and destruction of properties.The Ibeno community had been a good host over the decades to both indigenes and non indigenes have been living there in harmony without rancour.

“I’ m therefore using this medium to appeal for peace and an end to hostilities from both warring parties. I also want to call on the Governor of Akwa Ibom State as well as Head of all security agencies in the state to intervene in the matter immediately in order to stem down this waves of violence.

“The state government must as a matter of urgency constitute an enquiry committee to look into this crisis so as to ascertain the major cause. Perpetrators fanning the embers of war on both sides must be arrested immediately”.