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Tag: A’Ibom

Five feared dead in A’Ibom communal crisis
Newer than five persons from Uko Akpan community in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom have allegedly been killed following renewed hostilities over land between them and their Uko Ntenghe neighbours.
Seven persons were also said to have been injured with the clan head of the area Chief Bassey Atabia also missing as the lingering dispute rekindled this week.
It was gathered that armed youths from Uko Ntenghe reportedly invaded Uko Akpan farmland and raped a woman who they also took hostage.
Another set of armed youths were also said to have sneaked into Uko Akpan in Enwang, the headquarters of the local government and killed five persons.
Eye witnesses told newsmen yesterday that the armed youths shot sporadically sending residents running for their lives even as they also burnt down two houses and several cars in the village, which is now deserted.
The whereabouts of the clan head, is not yet known, while one of his sons is said to have been among those injured by the militants.
A youth leader, Michael Etim, while narrating the incident, appealed to the state government and security agencies to step into the dicey situation and restore calm in the area.
“ This is a matter of life and death. Those in the village are not safe.” Etim lamented.
Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, an indigene of the local government area could not be reached as at press time.
The State Police Command said they were on top of the situation, but the Enwang community has called for reinforcement from other sister security agencies to safeguard lives and property.
Police Public Relations Officer, Odiko MacDon, a Superintendent of Police said, “we are on it. Our men are on the ground there.”
January 21, 2021
A’Ibom Police refutes resignation of officer who rejected N864M bribe
The Police in Akwa Ibom has refuted news in the media that one of it’s most trusted officers, CSP Francis Erhabor has resigned from the Force.
Erhabor, who is also the Divisional Police Officer in charge of ‘D’ Division, Itam in Akwa Ibom claimed to have rejected more than N800 million bribe over three years while serving as a pipeline protection Commander in Edo State and have won many international and national awards for his exemplary conduct in his duties is quoted to have resigned due to lack of promotion.
A statement endorsed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Odiko Macdon in Uyo on Saturday said appointments and promotions in the Force is not done on social media.
“The attention of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has been drawn to a write up making the rounds, that the Divisional Police Officer ( DPO ), of ‘D’ Division, Itam, CSP Francis Osage Erhabor has resigned from the Nigeria Police Force on the grounds of lack of promotion.
“For the avoidance of doubt, appointments and resignations of the NPF are not done on social media.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Amienghene Andrew, fdc, is not in receipt of any letter of resignation from the Senior Officer and has not in anyway communicated same to the Force Headquarters.
“Let it be known, that the publication making the rounds is a figment of the imagination of the writer.” It said.
The release advised members of the public to disregard the said publication as Erhabor remained a bonafide member of the NPF and still the DPO of Itam Divisional Headquarters.
January 2, 2021
A’Ibom declares one week of mourning for deceased Ex Governor
Akwa Ibom State government has declared a one week of mourning for its deceased former Military Governor, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga, who died last Thursday night over Coronavirus complications.
A statement from Secretary to the State Government Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem made available to newsmen in Uyo on Saturday directed that flags should be flown at half mask in all government offices in honour of the late chairman of Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF) from Saturday.

“The Governor, HE Udom Emmanuel is greatly saddened by the news of his passing and condoles with the bereaved family. Consequently, the Governor has declared a seven day period of mourning effective Saturday, 26th December,2020. Flags are to be flown at half mast for the entire duration of the mourning in the state.” The statement said.
The statement also said that following his death all requisite protective protocol and contact tracing have been immediately activated.
Otuekong Nkanga was the first indigenous Governor of the state under the military between 19- and also a governorship candidate of the National Democratic Party in 2003.
the Director General of Governor Godswill Akpabio’s re-election campaign in 2011 and Governor Udom Emmanuel’s Divine Mandate Campaign organization in 2015 & 2019.
He was also the Chairman of the Ibom Airport Development Company and Ibom Airlines Limited.
December 26, 2020
A’Ibom makes clarification on confusion over CACOVID palliatives
Akwa Ibom state government has said that CACOVID palliatives been distributed to residents of the state remained different from the normal Christmas gifts to citizens of the state by government.
It has also said that the current CACOVID palliatives would only capture People Living with Disabilities, the media, medical workers, security personnel, Labour, orphanages, entertainers and students.
A statement from the state commissioner for Information and strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong on Friday in Uyo said the categories would be in addition to the different segments already captured by the committees in charge at the local government levels.
“The State Government had earlier in November this year intimated on the arrival of palliative materials from CACOVID( Coalition against COVID) which is a private sector driven corporate social responsibility contribution to the fight against the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic.
” It was also announced that when the full consignment from the donors berths in our state, distribution will commence.
“The structure for the distribution of these palliatives at the LGA level is very inclusive, having representation from people living with disabilities, women, youths, religious organizations, professional bodies and opposition parties under the platform of the Inter-Party Advisory Committee.
“This committee supervises the distribution of these palliatives to the people passing through the intermediary ward distribution structure. The distribution, which is largely decentralized to conform with COVID-19 protocols, has started and is ongoing.
“The focus of this batch of palliative distribution apart from the LGAs are media, orphanage homes, medical workers, security personnel, traders, Labour, entertainers and students. This distribution of palliative is clearly different from the usual end of year goodwill gift of rice to different categories of people.” The statement explained.
December 25, 2020
A’Ibom donates 30 vehicles to Police, others
In a renewed bid to curb growing insecurity in Akwa Ibom, the state government on Thursday donated 30 Hilux vehicles to the Police and other security agencies to fight criminality in the state.
The 30 vehicles according to a release from information commissioner Comrade Ini Ememobong Thursday in Uyo would be part of 100 vehicles earmarked for security agencies in the state.
The donation was made after a meeting between Governor Udom Emmanuel and heads of security agencies in the state aftermath of Wednesday night’s gang robberies in some parts of the town where at least one person was killed.
The meeting also resolved to reactivate the state Joint Security Task force to focus on fighting criminality and other vices in the state especially after the disbandment of the State Anti Robbery Squad after it was disbanded by the Inspector General of Police.
“The Governor presided over the security council meeting attended by all service commanders in the state, where the current security situation in the state was analyzed and the decision to reactivate a Joint Task Force was reached.
“30 new Utility Vehicles were distributed to the different services for use in combating crime. These vehicles are the first batch of the 100 vehicles targeted to be delivered to the security agencies for mobility.” The release explained.
The Commissioner of Police, Andrew Amiengheme speaking on behalf of the service commanders assured the citizens of maximum protection during the Yuletide and beyond.
Amiengheme urged citizens to call the police emergency numbers or the info hot line when there is an incident, instead of resorting to social media.
December 11, 2020
Monarch to refund N10m as Court rules in A’Ibom land tussle
The Court of Appeal sitting in Calabar, Cross River state has ruled in a protracted land disputed involving two Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom in which no fewer than five persons were killed and properties destroyed since 2017.
Two communities – Ifa Ikot Akpan in Uyo Local Government Area and Ibiaku Ishiet in Uruan Local Government Area led by their traditional rulers, Etteidung Edem Aniedi Ebong and Chief William Effiong Etim, had been locked in the land tussle in the last three years, forcing the matter to be taken to the Uyo Division of the High Court.
The matter was however dismissed by Justice Charles Ikpe, “for lack of merit” and subsequently, the case was moved to Appeal, where Justice Hamma Akawu Barka, faulted the decision of the High Court in dismissing the case as filed by Etteidung Ebong and others of Ifa Ikot Akpan community.
Delivering the ruling on the case: CA\C\342\2019, the three man Appeal panel led by Justice Barka, noted that “the lowered court erred in rejecting the document tendered by the appellants, which was not objected and countered by the defendants in efforts to disprove it throughout the period of the trial.”
He, therefore, ruled that “all the parcel of land which presently makes up the keke motor park, in the area that the claimants earlier leased to Gitto Construzioni Generali Nig Limited, to serve as burrow pit together with its appurtenances lying and situate at Ifa Ikot Akpan village, Etoi, Uyo, Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom state, belongs to the claimants, now appellants, having been in lawful possession of same ever since time immemorial”, part of the ruling reads.
For taking possession of the land for the couple of years, the defendants, Chief Etim and others of Ibiaku Ishiet community in Uruan Local Government Area, the Judge held, would refund the sum of 10 million to the appellants as general damages incurred during the period.
Commending the ruling, the monarch, Etteidung Ebong, said “my confidence in Nigeria’s judicial system has been restored”, recalling that he was under serious threat by the defendants, who assumed overwhelming powers to win the case based on connections he has with key politicians in the state.
November 18, 2020
Attah decries poor state of Tourist centres in A’Ibom
By Samuel Ogenyi, Uyo
A former Governor of Akwa Ibom, Obong Victor Attah has expressed displeasure over the nonchalant attitude the state government has accorded tourism in the state.
Attah who was specific about the poor state of Ibom Plaza, Unity Park and Tropicana complex, major and popular tourism centres in Uyo described their current state as worrisome.
The former governor said that the purpose for constructing Ibom plaza, meant to discongest traffic around the town centre and serve as a relaxation centre for residents has failed because government has failed to control illegal activities there.
“The concept for the construction of the plaza was to solve traffic congestion around the circus, control street trading around the plaza and create social and relaxation centre for residents.
“So in the aspect of traffic it has not failed although commercial activities are now been conducted along the walkways, but in the aspect of commercial and social it has completely failed because you see people selling things outside the open market provided within the plaza.
“The place is no longer been maintained and I hear now that criminals have taken over the place and that’s why I said the plaza has failed in the social and commercial aspects.”
Our correspondent reports that the plaza has now become a converging centre for hoodlums who have rendered the area insecure for ittenerant traders who have since taken over the open spaces at the plaza and passersby especially at night while media reports surfaced last week that toilets in the complex have been converted to “short time” rooms.
On the Unity Park, Attach explained that the project was conceptualized to serve as a major leisure arena especially for children and youths in addition to accommodating the Ibibio Cultural Meseum but expressed dismay at lack of government interest in putting the arena to proper use.
“I won’t say that the Unity Park has failed but it has not been developed. The concept was to create an open place with relaxation facilities where families can come together to relax. We need to have such a facility and maintain it.
“I was in Nairobi sometimes and I saw open places where people came to even have their lunch and I said to myself, these are Africans and we can have this kind of facility too for ourselves.” He said.
He regretted that the theme park and other leisure facilities at the Ibom Tropicana entertainment centre have not been put into use more than six years after they were built calling on the state government to do something urgent to readdress this.
Our correspondents reports that the park, covering a large land area was initially been occupied by private leisure concerns but were forced to vacate the area by the state government for redevopement three years ago.
Regrettably, nothing has been done to redevolope the park since then except for the government sponsored annual end of year cultural programme which has always been a hit to residents especially children and families, denied of a proper relaxation and leisure centre in the state capital.
The state commmissioner for culture and tourism Mr Orman Essien could not react to this developement as he failed to respond to calls and a text message sent to him on the matter.
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November 3, 2020
#EndSARS: A’Ibom to reward youths for recovery of looted properties
By Some Ogenyi, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State State Ethical and Attitudinal Re-orientation Commission, EARCOM, said it would honour a section of the youths of Afaha Ube community, who conducted a house-to-house search for looted property during the EndSARS violence in the state.
It was gathered that the youths had mobilised themselves and went to each of the houses of the suspected looters, siezed and returned to Itam police station, stolen items including flat screen television sets, refrigerator, deep freezers and other electronic devices.
Speaking with newsmen in Uyo on Monday, executive chairman of EARCOM, Dr. Dorathy Thompson, lauded the patriotic spirit of Afaha Ube youths, saying it has not gone unnoticed.
She said the youths levied themselves and raised money which they transported the items to the police station despite the opposition against them from another section of the youths.
“In such challenging times, the youths of Afaha Ube, Itam, in Itu local government area, lived the Akwa Ibom spirit.
“They voluntarily mobilized to search house to house to discover, recover and return to the Ilam Police Station flat-screen television sets, deep freezers, refrigerators, and many other electronic gadgets the hoodlums had stolen from an LG electronics shop near the area.They even contributed money to transport those items to the police station.
“By this ethical conduct, the Afaha Ube Ilam youths have demonstrated that they are true Akwa Ibom youths, who are great people with great minds; and that they have really risen to the faith of greatness and have validated their true identity as model youths in Akwa Ibom State who are worthy of emulation by all other young people in the State.
“The commission is putting together a ceremony this month to reward and honour the youths for their patriotic spirit.” She said
She commended the Divisional Police Officer in charge of ‘D’ Division Itam Police Station, CSP Francis Erhabor for effectively collaborating with the Afaha Ube Itam youths to pull off the recoveries.
According to her CSP Erhabor who emerged recently as the Integrity Award icon of ICPC 20 years anniversary, has demonstrated a sense of commitment to high morals and dedication to duty that is really contributing to building a better Nigeria.
November 2, 2020
PDP calls for cancellation of Councillorship election in A’Ibom
By Samuel Ogenyi, Uyo
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Esit Eket local council of Akwa Ibom have called for the cancellation of the Councillorship election in ward 11, Esit Eket local council.
It had also condemned the hijacking of materials and banditry by allegedly hired hoodlums in Saturday’s local polls in the area expressing displeasure over the violence that resulted in severe injuries to innocent voters and some officials of the party in the area.
Officials of the party who spoke with newsmen at the local government collation centre at Itak Inyang also called on security agencies to investigate and arrest the perpetuators of the act.
Chapter Chairman of the PDP in Esit Eket, Elder Eddy Etangkanga, said he was so shocked that a simple election involving brothers could become violent.
“We are so dismayed that the armed thugs came and carted away materials meant for Ward 11 and abducted the electoral officials into unknown locations.’
“I was surprised when my attention was drawn to a purported trending videos on the social media space alleging that the Councillorship Candidate of National Rescue Mission (NRM) won the Councillorship election in Ward 11, even when there is no existence of such party in our local government area.
” It was by the mercy of God that I was able to escape from being lynched by those hired thugs who invaded the Local government AKISIEC office in Uquo.
A former member of the House of Representatives, Barr. Bassey Dan Abia, admitted that there was no election across the units in Ward 11 adding that the hoodlums laid ambush in order to murder him.
The Councillor representing the ward, Mr Collins Jimmy said there were gunshots on the night to the elections before the attack by hoodlums during the elections calling for a fresh election under strict security enforcement to enable the people exercise their franchise.
November 1, 2020
Police deploy 7,194 for LG elections in A’Ibom
By Samuel Ogenyi, Uyo
The police in Akwa Ibom said it has deployed 7194 officers and men for Saturday’s local government elections in the 31 local governments of the state.
In a statement in Uyo on Friday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Odiko Macdon said the deployment would also include men from sister security agencies.
“The state Police Command has deployed officers and Men of the Command, including Sister Security Agencies to all the Polling Units and Wards in the thirty-one (31) Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State to provide top notch security during the Local Government election coming up on 31st October, 2020.
“The Commissioner of Police, while assuring Akwa Ibomites of adequate security before, during and after the election, warned residents against violating the restriction of movement order which will commence from 7:00am to 2:00pm of Saturday, 31st October, 2020.” The statement said.
He therefore enjoined all voters to turnout peacefully and perform their civic responsibility, while warning trouble shooters to stay away from the polling units as no acts of lawlessness would be tolerated.
It would be recalled that in assuring of its readiness for the election, the chairman of the State Independent Electoral Commission, Mr. Aniediabasi Ikoiwak had announced that the commission would deploy new electronic gadgets for more effective operations.
Ikoawak said the new device would enable the commission’s officials monitor the time of arrival of materials at respective polling units in the state.
The People’s Democratic Party and seven other political parties would contest for the Chairmanship and Councillorship elections in 31 local council area of the state on Saturday.
October 30, 2020