Udoide raises alarm over kidnap of 13 indigenes of Itu Mbonuso in Ini

Udoide raises alarm over kidnap of 13 indigenes of Itu Mbonuso in Ini

…seeks immediate government intervention 

The Member representing INI State Constituency, Hon (Dcn) Lawrence Udoide MHSN, JP has raised alarm over the kidnap of 13 indigenes of Itu Mbonuso in INI Local Government Area by gunmen suspected to be from Arochukwu Local Government Area, Abia State.

The INI Lawmaker who raised the alarm under Matter of Public Importance during plenary on Tuesday, 29th July 2025, called on the State Assembly to take swift action to secure the release of the abducted constituents and put on motion, intentional measures to prevent the recurrence of the incident.

He maintained that the communal crisis which has been allowed to continued for rather too long, has led to lost of several lives and properties and if left unabated, may continue to consume more. He expressed displeasure over the ordeal of his constituents who have repeatedly been at the receiving end of the violence.

According to the Lawmaker, the incident began on Monday, 14th July 2025 when an indigene of Atan Abam in Arochukwu local government area reportedly encroached a farmland belonging to an indigene of Itu Mbonuso in INI Local Government Area. In the process of seeking reason for the encroachment, elements of Atan Abam responded by abducting one man.

Speaking further, Udoide maintained that on Tuesday, 15th July 2025, 20 youths who were on rescue attempt, were ambushed and 12 of them were abducted making the number 13.

While appreciating the Executive Chairman, INI Local Government Area, Hon Inibehe Umah, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, Director, Department of State Security and Commissioner for Internal Security, General Koko Essien for their swift response to the crisis, he condemned in strong terms the false claims by Hon Okoro Kalu who while presenting the matter in Abia State House of Assembly, alleged that Atan Abam Community has been deserted due to threats by Ikot Essien to wipe out the community and destroy their properties.

The Motion received enormous support from members. In his contribution, the Member representing Nsit Ibom State Constituency, Hon Eric Akpan, condemned in strong terms the brazen invasion by Arochukwu elements maintaining that the primary aim of government is the security of lives.

In his debate, the Member representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency, Hon Moses Essien condemned the recurring nature of such incidents calling on government to be active and intentional about solving interstate boundary disputes.

The Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Elder Udeme Otong emphasized the gravity of the situation, urging the Akwa Ibom State Government to immediately engage the Abia State Government to ensure the release of the abducted persons. He also directed the Chairman, House Committee on Security, to liaise with Security agencies to get an update that will see to the release of those who were abducted .

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