Sequel to the killing of about 32 persons in cult-related attacks on some communities in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, a Federal lawmaker in the state, Emmanuel Ekon has brokered peace between the warring parties.
Ekon, representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Local Content, was said to have on August 14, written to the Inspector General of Police, requesting for investigation into the killings in the area.
His petition to the IGP, read in part: “Sir, between December and August, at least 32 innocent people have been killed due to cult activities by rival groups identified as De Gbam and De Well.”
We gathered that over 50 concerned indigenes and stakeholders, including traditional rulers, rose from an emergency meeting held at Saint Joseph Primary School, Iwukem, calling on the Inspector General, the state government and other security agencies to address the problem.
The peace meeting, we gathered was brokered by Ekon, became necessary following incessant killings and destruction of property in the affected areas.
The communiqué was signed by the leaders, elders and stakeholders of Obong and Utit Annang clans.
Among those killed in the cult war were the Village Head of Abak Obong, Chief Bassey Ikpaisong, and his brother, Mr. Fred Ikpaisong, while the Village Head of Udianga Enem, Chief Mendie Josiah, had since fled into exile following attempt to eliminate him by the cultists, who ransacked his palace recently.
Traditional rulers, on the platform of Mboho Annang Welfare Association, MAWA, had also petitioned Inspector-General, seeking lasting intervention for peace in the troubled areas.
