The umbrella body of Ijaw youths, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), has raised the alarm over a 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 a 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 causing extensive destruction.

He stated that on November 10, 2024, an invasion by Eket militants in Inua Eyet Ikot 11 within the Ibeno Local Council 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 attacks have increased, following the controversial actions of former 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 destabilising 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 neighbouring ethnic groups.

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