50 houses razed in A/Ibom communal clash

Akwa Ibom – At least 50 houses were razed on Christmas day in Ibeno, Southern Akwa Ibom, by a group of people suspected to be members of a rival community.

It was gathered that no life was lost in the fire which destroyed household property and outboard engines in Idung Abasi Ekwere fishing settlement in Ibeno.

Police sources in Ibeno confirmed the incident and said that no arrest had been made.

It was gathered from a police source that the incident took place around midnight on Christmas day.

The arsonists, according to members of Ibeno community, came from a rival community in a nearby local government.

It will be recalled that an early morning fire on December 5 destroyed several biuldings at Iwuokpon, a coastal settlement by Qua Iboe River in Ibeno, rendering hundreds of fishermen homeless.

A community leader in Ibeno, Chief John Etim, told newsmen, yesterday, that the incidents took the community by surprise.

“We were rather surprised and indeed cannot believe that those behind the fire disaster can be from a community that shares the same affinity with us.

“We are hoping that the police will uncover those behind this wicked act during the Christmas season that is characterised by love for one another,” he said.