The security crisis rocking Ndon Eyo II in Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State urgent has to be addressed, else it will spread to neighbouring communities, a member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Uduak Ufot has said.

According to him, the communities at risk of being engulfed in the escalating crisis include Nkana, Oto Akan, Ekpene Ukpa, and Awa Ntong, amongst others.

Ufot, who is the member representing Etinan Constituency in the State House of Assembly, gave this warning during plenary on Thursday, October 12, 2023.

He stated that he was bringing up the issue of the security crisis in Ndon Eyo II Community a second time after raising the issue earlier on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, because the gruesome killings, rape, and destruction of properties have continued unabated.

He complained that two months after his initial submission at plenary, nothing has been done to salvage the situation.

According to Ufot, trouble began on Monday, July 17, 2023 when the supposed gang leader, Udo Sunday Etukudoh was arrested by law enforcement operatives. After the arrest, a warning was issued by the gang members asking the Village Head of the community to secure Etukudoh’s release or risk the destruction of lives and property in the community.

“Mr. Udo Sunday Etukudoh was arrested by a monitoring team from ikot Akpan Abia on Monday, July 17, 2023 and on the 18th, his boys came to Ndon Eyo II village heads house, Pastor Etidung John Udo Etuk and caused trouble, destroying everything and threatening his life…”

“…the boys thereafter gave an ultimatum that if their leader is not released, the land will know no peace. The leader was released but he has since eloped with his family.”

Checks by Kristina Reports indicate that the community has been in terror due to the activities of these fiends since July 2023.

Houses have been burned and vandalized, motorcycles and bicycles have been seized from villagers and women have been raped and beaten and the men who try to fight back have been mercilessly beaten and wounded.

The House of Assembly member pleaded with the House to look into the matter as it is one of the primary duties of the government to provide security for the lives and property of citizens.

Responding, after deliberations by his colleagues, the Speaker of the Assembly, Udeme Otong said it was imperative for the House to take urgent steps to checkmate the incessant attacks and security challenges faced by the Ndon Eyo II Community.

He instructed the House Committee on Security to liaise the State Commissioner of Police, Olatoye Durosinmi, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that peace and order is restored to the area.

Otong, who directed the committee to report back to the House on Thursday, October 19, 2023 with an outline of actions taken, expressed the displeasure of the Assembly with the incessant attacks and security challenges faced by the residents of the area.