Reprisal attack was Monday averted in Ikot Atasung community in Ikot Ikpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State following attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen, resulting in the killing of indigene of the area.
It was gathered that the herdsmen attacked the community Sunday and killed one Silvanus Usen while the brother of the deceased, Andrew who was severely injured in the early morning attack had been taken to an undisclosed hospital where he is battling to survive.
A local resident who pleaded anonymity told our correspondent on Monday that the timely intervention of some political actors in the village prevented a possible immediate escalation of the crisis between the youths and the Hausa community.
It was gathered that the situation in the community remains tense as angry youths were said to be plotting reprisal.
“Suspected herdsmen in the early hours of Sunday attacked Ikot Atasung Village in Ikot Ekpene where one Silvanus Peter Usen was killed and his brother, Andrew was severely injured and is currently at the hospital battling to survive.
“A possible face-off between the angry youths and the Hausa community in Ikot Ekpene was avoided Sunday through the intervention of some political actors and the police. However, there is an air of uncertainty in Ikot Ekpene now,” he explained.
Confirming the incident, Mr. Odiko Macdon, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), who described the killing as “unfortunate” said the Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr. Andrew Amiengheme, has already ordered a discreet investigation into the incident.
He expressed the hope that the perpetrators of the crime would soon be brought to book.
“We have received that report, it is an unfortunate one. The CP has ordered a discreet investigation into the incident with the view to apprehending the perpetrators of the act.
“And I want to believe that in no distance time we will have an update on the incident because those who have committed the act must be brought to book,” Macdon stressed.
