Akwa Ibom Village Head Suspended Over Alleged Terrorism and Market Looting
The Akwa Ibom State Government has suspended Chief Monday Esu, the Village Head of Ikot Umo Essien in Essien Udim Local Government Area, over allegations of terrorism and criminal misconduct. The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Frank Archibong, announced the suspension Wednesday, stating that it will last six months to allow for a thorough investigation into the claims against Esu. According to the commissioner, the village head is accused of sponsoring the destruction and theft of property at newly built blocks of shops in the Ikot Ekpenyong community market. Reports indicate that hoodlums, allegedly from Ikot Umo Essien, vandalized and looted the shops, which were constructed as a constituency project by former Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency representative Mr Nsikak Ekong in February 2024. The attackers also damaged a Fadama-funded borehole and VIP lavatory, seizing items including aluminium roofing sheets, windows, doors, overhead tanks, a water pump, and a generator. Residents were reportedly left living in fear following the incident. Preliminary investigations have named Chief Esu as the prime suspect. He has been ordered to surrender all government property in his possession to the village council secretary.