Communities in Mkpat Enin Local Area of Akwa Ibom State are facing palpable fears due to the presence of cultists and kidnappers.
Reports indicate that approximately 13 communities, such as Ikot Abasi Akpan, Ekpuk, Nya Odiong, Ndon Utim, Ndon Eyo, Ikot Essen, Ikot Obio Nso, and Ikot Ekpaw, are constantly under siege.
Other heavily affected areas include Ikot Abia Enin, Minya Ntak, Ibianga, and Ekparakwa.
Described by a community member as “no-go areas,” these places often experience disruptions in business activities.
An anonymous community leader mentioned that motorists and pedestrians are frequently robbed of their money and phones at roadblocks set up by hoodlums around Ekpuk, Nya Odiong, and Ndon Utim.
This has led to a sense of fear among people, resulting in reluctance to open businesses. Recent incidents at Ekpuk Junction Market saw rampaging cultists attacking business owners, extorting money or forcing closure of businesses. Survivors of these attacks also face economic hardships.
Students from Akwa Ibom State College of Education in Afaha Nsit are particularly affected. Those traveling from Ekparakwa and Ukanafun now avoid the Ekparakwa-Etinan route due to fear of using motorcycles operated by these criminals.
The community leader alleged that the collaboration between local police in Mkpat Enin and politicians results in the release of criminals after their apprehension.
An investigation revealed that over the past two years, at least 10 individuals lost their lives, while others narrowly escaped death.
Victims include the former GM of Atlantic FM and respected broadcast journalist, the late Malachy Ufot from Ikot Abia Enin, who was kidnapped and fatally tortured despite a ransom payment of one million Naira.
Additionally, a youth from Ikot Abassi Akpan was murdered and dumped into a community well, while a medical superintendent at Cottage Hospital in Ikot Ekpaw, former PDP member Chief Cletus Okodi from Ikot Obio Nso, Catholic Priest at St. Pius X Parish, Ikot Abassi Akpan, and bold cleric, Apostle John Okoriko, were victims of kidnappings.
In a recent incident in late December 2023, Monsignor (Prof.) Udoidem narrowly escaped a kidnapping attempt on the Etinan-Ekparakwa Road after a visit to his hometown. Just a few weeks ago, Mr. Eshiet Moses Eshiet, the vice principal of Community Secondary School in Nya-Odiong, was assaulted and robbed of his belongings while heading to school.
Two wanted cultists were reportedly killed by the police in Ikot Abasi Akpan following the kidnapping and murder of a businessman in Ekparakwa a month prior.
When contacted for comment on the situation, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Timfon John, pledged to escalate the issue to the Commissioner of Police at Ikot Akpan Abia.
She assured that law enforcement would take all necessary actions to ensure that residents of the impacted communities can enjoy peace and tranquility.