National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Paulinus Nta
The people of Mkpa Enin local government area of Akwa Ibom state have been living in fear for two years, following consistent attacks by suspected cultists and kidnappers.
A community leader, who pleaded anonymity said the criminals have made life miserable to them and shut down business activities along the once busy Etinan- Ekparakwa road.
He said for about two years now, more than 13 villages have become a ”no-go -area” following the nefarious activities of cultists and kidnappers. The villages include: Ikot Abasi Akpan, Ekpuk,Nya Odiong, Ndon Utim, Ndon Eyo, Ikot Essen, Ikot Obio Nso, Ikot Ekpaw.
Others are, Ikot Abia Enin, Minya Ntak, Ibainga and Ekparakwa in Oruk Anam local Government.
He said recently, motorists and passersby were disposed of their monies and phones at road blocks mounted at Ekpuk, Nya Odiong and Ndon Utim villages by the hoodlums.
A student of the Akwa Ibom state College Of Education, Afaha Nsit, Miss Eno Affia said students are the worst hit. She said those coming from Ekparakwa, Ukanafun can no longer use the road for fear of boarding motorcycles operated by their syndicates.
Investigations reveal that more than 10 persons have lost their lives, while others escape by the whiskers in the past two years.
They include the pioneer General Manager of Atlantic FM and veteran broadcaster, Malachy Ufot, who was tortured to death by his abductors, after the payment of one million naira ransome.
A youth leader, from Ikot Abasi Akpan was killed and dumped in a community well late last year; a medical Superintendent, attached to the Cottage Hospital, Ikot Ekpaw was killed on the same road.
A PDP chieftain from Ikot Obio Nso, Cletus Okodi, a Catholic Priest at St. Pius X Parish, Ikot Abasi Akpan and a popular cleric, Apst. John Okoriko suffered kidnap.
Late December, 2024, Monsignor (Prof) Sylvanus Udoidem escaped a kidnap attempt on the same road. A couple of weeks ago, the Vice Principal of Community Secondary School,Nya Odiong, Mr. Eshiet Moses Eshiet was attacked and disppossed of his belongings while going to school.
When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Akwa Ibom State Command, ASP Timfon John promised to take the matter up, assuring that the Police will restore normalcy and bring culprits to book.
