IYC Raises the  Alarm over Incessant Attacks on Ijaws Communities in A’ Ibom

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

The umbrella body of Ijaws youths worldwide, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), has raised the alarm over the series of unprovoked attacks against Ijaw communities by militants from Eket in Akwa in Akwa Ibom State.

The body, which convened a stakeholders’ interactive session to draw the attention of the public and relevant authorities to the attack in statement by its spokesman, Binebai Princewill, claimed that the development had resulted in injuries to Ijaw people and the destruction of property amounting to millions of naira.

On February 26, 2024, tensions escalated when Eket militants allegedly blocked the sole access road to Ibeno, leading to violent confrontations that claimed lives and caused extensive destruction.

He stated that recently, on November 10, 2024, an invasion by Eket militants in Inua Eyet Ikot 11 within the Ibeno Local Government Area further devastated their communities, including the destruction of critical infrastructure such as a government-built health centre.

Princewill stated: “It is important to highlight that these brutal attacks have increased following the controversial actions of former state Governor, Emmanuel Udom, who made attempts to remap Ijaw territories.” 

“We view this as not only an infringement on our rights but a deliberate effort to annex our ancestral lands, potentially destabilizing our communities and inflaming ethnic tensions.

“As representatives of the Ijaw people, we unequivocally regard this ongoing violence as a direct threat to our peace, existence, and survival within Akwa Ibom State.

“The incessant provocation and attacks are intolerable, and we find it necessary to issue a stern warning-the Ijaw people will not permit any encroachment on our ancestral lands from the Government of Akwa Ibom or neighboring ethnic groups.

“While we understand and advocate peace, we will not compromise the safety and development of the Ijaw populace in Akwa Ibom State or anywhere else. An attack on one member of the Ijaw community is treated as an attack on all Ijaws. We demand that the government take immediate steps to rein in the hostile actions of Eket militants. Should the government fail to act decisively, we will have no other choice but to defend ourselves.

“Your Excellency, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, it is unacceptable for the Ijaw people to continue to live under the threat of violence from groups permitted to act under your watch. We have reached a critical juncture; we cannot withstand protracted aggression without retribution. We urge you to heed this call for intervention seriously-a stitch in time saves nine.”

Moreover, Princewill strongly advocated meaningful development initiatives within Ijaw territories.

He further said: “The political minority status of the Ijaw does not justify intimidation, ethnic cleansing, or neglect. We seek proper representation, appointments, and empowerment within your administration to foster an environment of peace and development.

“The IYC stands firm in our commitment to our people and ancestral lands. We will not stand idly by while our communities are under siege. It is imperative for government authorities and stakeholders to prioritize our concerns and work collaboratively toward a peaceful resolution.”