Akwa Ibom Government Suspends Village Head of Ikot Umo Essien for alleged acts of Terrorism

Akwa Ibom Government Suspends Village Head of Ikot Umo Essien for alleged acts of Terrorism

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 full scale investigation into the various allegations levelled against the Village Head.

The statement cites allegations of involvement in acts causing the breach of peace and security, including alleged sponsorship of vandalism and theft of facilities at newly constructed blocks of shops at Ikot Ekpenyong Community market( a neighbouring village) ,amid 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 at 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, water pump and generator . They also unleashed mayhem and intimidated residents of the area making them to live in fear.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong who had led State Government team on a fact finding mission to the scene of the incident to ascertain the level of damages, 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 handover all government property in his possession to the Village Council Secretary during the period of his suspension.

Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs
4/11/2025