Fear has griped Ikot Akpan community in Essien Udim local government area of Akwa Ibom state as gunmen suspected to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) clashed with the security operatives in the state.
It was gathered that during the clash on Monday, members of the IPOB repelled the security operatives and hoisted a Biafra flag in the community.
Blueprint learnt that the palace of the village head of the community was invaded and security vehicles set ablaze during the clash which lasted several hours.
Two inspectors had been set ablaze and a divisional police station burnt down in a planned and coordinated attacks carried out by suspected gunmen in the same area in the last one month.
A source who pleaded anonymity told Blueprint correspondent in Uyo, the state capital that the incident occurred when policemen were drafted to carry out a reprisal against the IPOB members alleged to be behind the targeted attacks on Police formations and killing of police officers in the state
The source said, “Nobody knew who were behind the attacks in Essien Udim until members of IPOB took over the community and hoisted their flag. When the police stormed their camp on Monday, they repelled them.
“After burning the security officers’ house in the early hours of the morning, the police went to their camp about 4pm same Monday to attack them. They went in three Hilux vans. People fled the community.
“The police took war to their camp. And they even burnt the house of the village head of Ikot Akpan village in Ukana Uwa West clan of Essien Udim . They have their camp in that area.
“Information has it that they are even training Eastern Security Network. In fact, we learned that it is the same way they are operating in other states.”
The police Public Relations officer, Odiko Macdon, is yet to confirm the attack as at the time of filing this report as he could not respond to calls.
