The Akwa Ibom State Government has suspended the Village Head of Ikot Umo Essien, in Essien Udim Local Government Area, Chief Monday Benjamin Esu, for alleged acts of terrorism.
A statement issued by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong, in Uyo, indicates that the suspension, which is for a period of six months, will enable a full-scale investigation into the various allegations levelled against the Village Head.
The statement cites allegations of involvement in acts that cause breaches of peace and security, including the alleged sponsorship of vandalism and theft of facilities at newly constructed blocks of shops at Ikot Ekpenyong Community Market (a neighbouring village), among other reports of nefarious activities by Chief Monday Esu.
It would be recalled that in February 2024, hoodlums allegedly from Ikot Umoh Essien Village had stormed the local market in Ikot Ekpenyong Community, demolishing, vandalising and looting the newly constructed blocks of shops, a constituency project facilitated by the immediate past member representing Ikot Ekpene federal constituency, Rt. Hon. Nsikak Ekong.
The criminal element went further to destroy the Fadama-sponsored borehole and VIP lavatory within the same vicinity, carting away items such as aluminium roofing sheets, windows, doors, overhead tanks, a water pump, and a generator. They also unleashed mayhem and intimidated residents of the area, making them live in fear.
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The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong, who had led the State Government team on a fact-finding mission to the scene of the incident to ascertain the level of damage, was also led to the village council hall of Ikot Umo Essien, where the looted items were found.
Preliminary investigations fingered Chief Monday Esu, Village head of Ikot Umo Essien, as the prime suspect.
The suspended Chief, Monday Esu, has been ordered to hand over all government property in his possession to the Village Council Secretary during the period of his suspension.
