By Ofonime Honesty, Aniekan Sunday – Converseer
Ndon Eyo II community in Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State is currently held hostage by a criminal gang whose stock in trade is peddling illicit drugs.
Since July 18, 2023, when their “commander”, one Udo Sunday, was nabbed by the police, turmoil rocked the once peaceful community.
Members of the gang had reportedly accused the Village Head, Eteidung John Udoetuk and members of his Council of masterminding his arrest.
Reacting to his arrest, the gang went berserk, attacking and looting the Village Head’s palace, setting ablaze houses belonging to members of his Council and maiming many residents.
Sources said the gang also raped and killed Blessing Monday Etukudoh, a 14-year-old, SS 2 student at Community Secondary School, Nyadiong.
The community is currently the stark opposite of its former boisterous life.
As most residents flee, the gang is now in control of the affairs of the village, including harvesting and selling palm fruits.
When reporters visited the community on a fact-finding mission on Monday morning under heavy security protection, two gunshots were heard from a distance.
Findings revealed that the gang had received information that the team was visiting the community.
The team visited the ruins of the former camp used by the gang in the community.
Ruins of houses burnt down by the gang were also captured.
Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has mandated its committee on Security, Youth and Sports to look into the matter.
The committee is to liaise with the Commissioner of Police, CP Olatoye Durosinmi, the Commissioner for Internal Security, Gen. Koko Essien (rtd) and the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Etinan, to find a lasting solution to the security challenges in the affected communities.
The resolution of the House is sequel to a matter of urgent public importance, brought before it on Thursday by the member representing Etinan State Constituency, Hon. Uduak Ekpo-Ufot.