Fierce fire exchange between security operatives and militants has reportedly left two persons dead in Mbo, Akwa Ibom State.
According to Vanguard, the chaos occurred following a rekindled conflict between Uda and Enwang over disputed land.
It was gathered that armed youths suspected to be militants from Uda invaded Enwang in the early hours of Wednesday and opened fire, burning and destroying several property in the midst of the imbroglio.
Security operatives were said to have engaged the militants in a gun battle at Enwang community, headquarters of Mbo Local Government Area.
Sources say the once-lively community has become deserted as houses and shops were locked while residents were seen transporting their belongings across the Mbo bridge to Oduo Ebughu, the neighboring town to seek refuge.
It was gathered that all commercial activities have been brought to a halt just as schools were also closed as a result of the crisis.
Reports say the country homes of the former Inspector General of Police, late Chief Etim Inyang and former member of the National Assembly, late Martin Okon Effiong, were amongst the buildings razed by the militants.
An eyewitness simply identified as Antai, while speaking with newsmen said the community did not expect the sudden attack as it took them unawares, sending many running helter-skelter.
An anonymous source, while recounting the incident said “In my over 6o years, I have never seen anything so devastating as this, that a small community in Uda would import mercenaries to attack Enwang community over farmland that rightly belong to Enwang.
“It is really appalling and it smacks of rascality. Maybe they are emboldened by their kinsman in government. We call for security operatives to come to our rescue”, he said.
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