There is tension between Inua Eyet Ikot village and neighbouring communities in Esit Eket Local Government of Akwa Ibom State, over the siting of BUA petrochemical factory.
The Nation gathered that hoodlums allegedly from Esit Eket reportedly launched a midnight attack on Inua Eyet Ikot village, damaging property worth millions of naira.
Former Inua Eyen Ikot village council chairman, Chief Nta Edyang, lamented that the damaged buildings, farms and other facilities were valued at over N100 million.
He said: “A couple of days ago, we were woken up by the invasion from our Esit Eket neighbours at midnight, with massive attacks on our farms, clinic, schools and homes, which were all brought down to rubble.
“The invaders came at midnight, well-armed and people fled to the bush, from where they heard them using sledge hammers and other destructive equipment to destroy properties we laboured to build.
“The reason for the latest attack is not unconnected with ongoing petrochemical factory project, which is being built in our community by BUA group.
“The hoodlums claimed our village is their land and even hoisted a flag after the destruction. They wrote: ‘Ibeno beware, we won’t tolerate your conspiracy with the state government to take our land”.
He added: “We have reported the matter to the police commissioner, who visited the area in company with other security agencies”.
