Nine children remain missing after a violent attack on Ndito Eka Iba village, Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom , on Christmas Eve 2024.
The attack, allegedly carried out by neighboring Esit-Eket and Eket Local Government Areas, was sparked by a long-standing boundary dispute.
Community youths and parents have expressed their fears that the missing children may have been killed. The Youth President of the community, Mr. Ukot Robert, lamented the prolonged absence of the children and the continued hostilities from their neighbors.
The missing children have been identified as Emmanuel Udoeka (11), Happiness John (8), Ikotiye Okon (6), Thompson John (3), Friday Moses (4), John Mfon (9), Gabriel Akpan (8), Susana Peter (7), and Ubong Benselem (14).
The crisis has been exacerbated by a remapping controversy initiated during the previous state administration. Oil-producing communities, including Ibeno, strongly opposed the remapping, which aimed to adjust boundary lines in favor of Esit-Eket and Eket.
Community members have called on the Akwa Ibom State government and security agencies to intervene and bring lasting peace to the affected areas.
The Ijaw Youth Chairman in Ibeno LGA, Emmanuel Opolo, condemned the repeated attacks on the community and warned against pushing Ibeno into retaliation.
