Akwa Ibom villages clash over BUA petrochemical factory siting

Inua Eyet Ikot village in Esit Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State is embroiled in a land dispute with neighboring communities over the siting of a BUA petrochemical factory.

Reports indicate that suspected hoodlums, allegedly from Esit Eket, launched a midnight attack on Inua Eyet Ikot, causing destruction estimated at over N100 million.

Former chairman of the Inua Eyet Ikot village council, Chief Nta Edyang, expressed deep concern over the incident. He recounted:

“A few nights ago, we were attacked at midnight by our Esit Eket neighbors. They targeted our farms, clinic, schools, and homes, reducing them to rubble. Armed invaders forced residents to flee into the bushes while using sledgehammers and other equipment to destroy properties we painstakingly built.”

The attack is reportedly linked to the petrochemical factory being developed by the BUA Group in Inua Eyet Ikot. The attackers allegedly claimed ownership of the land, hoisting a flag and leaving a message that read: ‘Ibeno beware, we won’t tolerate your conspiracy with the state government to take our land.’

Chief Edyang further disclosed that the incident had been reported to the police commissioner, who visited the affected area alongside other security agencies.

The situation remains tense as both communities grapple with the implications of the ongoing project.