The Akwa Ibom State Government has suspended the Village Head of Ikot Umo Essien, Chief Monday Esu, in Essien Udim Local Government Area, over alleged involvement in acts of terrorism and threats to public peace.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Frank Archibong, said the suspension would last six months to allow for a full-scale investigation into the allegations against the traditional ruler.
According to the commissioner, Chief Esu is accused of sponsoring vandalism and theft at newly constructed shops in the Ikot Ekpenyong community market, as well as other acts that endangered peace and security in the area.
“It will be recalled that hoodlums, allegedly from Ikot Umo Essien village, stormed the local market in Ikot Ekpenyong community, demolishing, vandalising, and looting the newly constructed blocks of shops,” Archibong said.
The commissioner noted that the affected shops were part of a constituency project facilitated in February 2024 by the former member representing Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, Nsikak Ekong.
He added that the attackers also destroyed a Fadama-sponsored borehole and VIP lavatory, carting away several items, including aluminium roofing sheets, windows, doors, water tanks, a water pump, and a generator.
“They also unleashed mayhem and intimidated residents of the area, making them live in fear,” the statement read.
Archibong said preliminary investigations implicated Chief Esu as the prime suspect, prompting the state government to take immediate disciplinary action.
The suspended village head has been directed to hand over all government property in his possession to the village council secretary, pending the outcome of the investigation.
