Village Head Suspended in Akwa Ibom for Alleged Involvement in Terrorism

Chief Monday Esu, the village head of Ikot Umo Essien, has been suspended by the Akwa Ibom State government of Governor Umo Eno due to suspected acts of terrorism and violations of public order.

According to reports, Frank Archibong, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, made the announcement in a statement on Wednesday in Uyo.

In order to conduct a thorough inquiry into the accusations made against the troubled village chief, Archibong stated that the suspension will endure for six months.

The commissioner claims that Chief Esu was suspended as a result of reports that connected him to actions that could cause instability in the community, such as allegedly sponsoring theft and vandalism at a recently built block of stores in the Ikot Ekpenyong community market.

According to Archibong, “the accusations against the village head include acts that breach peace and security, such as alleged sponsorship of vandalism and theft of facilities at newly constructed blocks of shops at the Ikot Ekpenyong community market.”

He clarified that actions that could jeopardize law and order in rural areas could not be disregarded by the state government.

According to the statement, thugs from Ikot Umo Essien village had recently broken into the Ikot Ekpenyong community market and allegedly destroyed, vandalized, and robbed recently constructed stores.

“Mr. Nsikak Ekong, the immediate past member representing Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, facilitated the block of shops as a constituency project in February 2024,” Archibong stated.

He further said that the thieves did not stop at the stores; instead, they proceeded to demolish a VIP restroom and a Fadama-sponsored borehole on the market grounds, taking valuables such aluminum roofing sheets, doors, windows, overhead tanks, generators, and water pumps.

The commissioner said, “They also unleashed mayhem and intimidated locals, making them live in fear.”

According to Archibong, Chief Esu was the main suspect in the tragedy based on preliminary findings from the state’s investigation team.

“The main suspect in the attacks is Chief Monday Esu, the Village Head of Ikot Umo Essien, according to preliminary investigations,” he stated.

As a result, the traditional ruler has been ordered to provide the village council secretary all government property he owns while the investigation is ongoing.

The Commissioner restated the Akwa Ibom State Government’s commitment to upholding security and tranquility in every community throughout the state.

He issued a warning that if a traditional ruler or community leader was discovered to be encouraging illegal conduct, the government would not think twice about punishing them.

According to Archibong, “the Ministry will continue to uphold discipline and ensure that traditional institutions remain symbols of peace, unity, and development.”