News
‘We’re under siege’, Ibeno residents lament insecurity in Akwa Ibom
By Francesca Hamgeior
Residents of Ibeno Local Government Area have called out for help against the destruction of life and property meted on them by the people of Eket and Esit Eket Local Government Areas under the aegis of Coalition of Coastal Aboriginal Communities of Akwa Ibom.
The call was a sequel to the invasion and attack on the Ibeno people in the early hours of Tuesday, February 27, 2024, by members of the Coalition.
Verified information has it that before a team of Policemen and other security agencies could intervene and stop an arson attempt on the Mobil filling station along QIT Road, Ibeno, owned by one Samuel Ekpenyong, the invaders killed three persons, maimed many others and burnt down over 24 houses including Four Square Church in Iwuachang, a community in Ibeno.
A resident of Iwuoachang, Mr. Ekpo Emmanuel, has alleged that “the invasion and attack is sponsored.
Mr. Emmanuel also said “We have done our investigations and every groundwork and we have concrete evidence. We appeal to our dear Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, not to toe the path of his predecessor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, who created the whole problem through his remapping agenda.”
Another resident, Mr. Otukere Okon, said “The incident was carefully planned for and executed. Why will you, in the name of protest, block the only access routes to the community, invade and attack the people, claiming that you are protesting the non-implementation of government policies?
“Wouldn’t the House of Assembly or the Judiciary Headquarters or Government House have been a better ground for protest, if the intention was genuine and sincere?
“There is more to it and we, the people and residents of Ibeno local government area, are calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to come to our aid.
“It is a planned delineation of the Obolo people from Akwa Ibom State. We know those playing the drum of war. They must be stopped now before it escalates,” he explained.
This was further confirmed by a leaked circular signed by Dr Udonsak on February 26, 2024, “Good Morning All. The destruction of blocks at Esit Urua and the assault on the Transition Chairman of Eket LGA when he went to assess the damage by Ibeno youths as well as other acts of victimization of Ekid people by ungrateful settlers were reported to the Coalition of Coastal Aboriginal LGA Assembly.
The Assembly resolved to impose a total blockade of Ibeno and Eastern Obolo settlers at Esit Urua, Edo, Onna, Mkpat Enin and Ikot Abasi to press for our rights. In compliance, the Union effected a total blockade at Edo and Esit Urua by 2. am this morning, towards a 2000-man indefinite peaceful protest. We have to reiterate that this is a peaceful protest, and nobody should test our resolve to press for our rights. I call on every son and daughter of Ekid to support this exercise in any manner possible.”
Speaking shortly after a security meeting with state director of the Department of State Service and other sister agencies, the Transition Committee Chairman of Ibeno, Hon. Emma Ibok, confirmed the incident and said he was taking inventory of casualties and the level destruction.
The Chairman of Bariga Local Government Area of Lagos State, Kolade Alabi, on Wednesday, suddenly slumped at the All Progressives Congress stakeholders’ meeting held at the party’s Secretariat in Ikeja, the state capital.
According to The PUNCH, Alabi, who is the state chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria, was addressing party members when the sad incident occured.
Fortunately, he was immediately revived and rushed away to the hospital in an ambulance for further treatment.
Details shortly…
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, admitted a video recording allegedly showing the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu issuing inflammatory directives which the prosecution claims incited acts of terrorism across the South – East region of the country.
The Wednesday proceedings resumed with the continuation of the testimony of the second Prosecution witness, an operative of Department of State Services (DSS) codenamed PWBBB.
In the video played in open court, Kanu was seen addressing his followers in what he called, “the blessed land of Biafra”, wherein he announced the formation of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), urging followers to defend their land against what he referred to as “Fulani domination.”
He warned political leaders in the region against compromises and issued a directive forbidding the presence of fulani herdsmen, saying, “No Fulani parading as herdsman shall be allowed in our land. If you are an agent of the Fulani, turn your way this evening.”
The device was admitted as evidence alongside a certificate of compliance, despite objections from the defence.
They were marked as Exhibits PWA and PW1, respectively.
The court also admitted a letter dated June 17, 2021, authored by the former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, which accused Kanu of terrorism, murder, and incitement to violence.
The letter, addressed to the DSS, was tendered without objection and marked as Exhibit PWF.
Reading from the document, the witness, who was led in evidence by the prosecuting counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN alleged that Kanu’s broadcasts were followed by coordinated attacks on police stations and correctional facilities, resulting in loss of lives and property.
He quoted the petition as saying Kanu had instructed that security operatives be “brought down” and their weapons seized.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has alerted the public on the activities of Property World Africa Network (PWAN), which holds itself out as a real estate investment company and solicits funds from the public for investment purposes through PWAN MAX.
In a statement on Tuesday, the SEC said PWAN/PWAN MAX are not registered either to solicit investments from the public or operate in any other capacity within the Nigerian capital market.
The SEC said investigations revealed that PWAN’s operations exhibit the typical indicators of a fraudulent Ponzi scheme, including the promise of unusually high returns and failure to honour withdrawal requests from subscribers.
“Accordingly, the public is strongly advised to be wary about investing with PWAN/PWAN MAX, as any person who places such investment with these entities, does so at his/her own risk.
“The commission similarly reminds potential investors of the need to verify the registration status of investment platforms via the commission’s dedicated portal: www.sec.gov.ng/cmos before transacting with them,” the SEC said.
(The Guardian)
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