The Akwa Ibom State Government has suspended the Village Head of Ikot Umo Essien in Essien Udim Local Government Area, Monday Esu, following allegations of terrorism and actions that disrupted peace and security in the community.
Essien Udim is the local government area of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The suspension followed reports that the traditional ruler was allegedly involved in sponsoring vandalism and theft of public property in the Ikot Ekpenyong community market.
According to the state government, a group of hoodlums suspected to be from Ikot Umo Essien village invaded the market, where they destroyed and looted newly built shops. The structures were said to have been constructed as part of a constituency project facilitated by the former member representing Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, Nsikak Ekong, in February 2024.
The vandals reportedly went on to damage a Fadama-sponsored borehole and a VIP toilet within the area, carting away materials such as roofing sheets, windows, doors, water tanks, pumps, and a generator. The attack left several residents in fear as the group allegedly terrorized the community during the incident.
Preliminary findings by the authorities identified Ikot Umo Essien village as the main suspect behind the coordinated destruction. In response, the government directed the suspended village head to surrender all official property in his care to the village council secretary.
It remains uncertain whether the police have formally taken over the case, but the government said investigations are ongoing.
Nigeria has been grappling with various forms of insecurity and terrorism for years, particularly in parts of the north and southeast, making this latest case another concern for local authorities.