Akwa Ibom: 16 injured as govt takes over disputed oil-rich area

The Akwa Ibom State government said it has taken over the disputed area between Ibeno, Eket and Esit Eket local government areas where 16 persons were wounded in a communal clash.

The state governor, Umo Eno, who said the 16 persons were wounded in the clash over ownership of the disputed oil-rich creek forest reserves, warned against the breakdown of law and order.

Eno appealed to politicians against taking sides and sponsoring the youths to break the law, saying the government would not tolerate it.

Speaking during a visit to the affected area, the governor threatened to remove the transition chairmen in any of the three local government areas if the incidents happened again.

“I want to appeal to our political gladiators to stop taking sides and fanning the embers of disunity. We are leaders and we cannot be sponsoring young people to take the laws into their hands. We will not allow it.

“I had to evacuate 16 people who were wounded in the course of these unfortunate clashes and once I leave here, I am going to visit them at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.

“I want to say this to the chairmen of the three local government councils: You have the responsibility to maintain law and order in your respective domains. If any of this should happen again in your domains, you know you are transition chairmen; I will remove you immediately and I promise you, I will,” the governor warned.