An ethnic clash between Ibeno indigenes in Akwa ibom state and the Ilaje residents, mostly fishermen, have left many people dead and houses razed. The Nation earnt the clash erupted on Wednesday after weeks of ethnic tension.

A community source, who could not confirm the number of casualties, however said that both sides have suffered losses. The cause of fracas was not immediately known.

However, sources said it started as cult clash before it took an ethnic dimension. The Ilaje residents have reportedly started fleeing the community through bush paths while their houses and tents are being looted and destroyed by hoodlums.

The Police Public Relations Officer,Odiko Macdon, when contacted simply said he was not aware of the crisis but he will find out.

An Ilaje living in Akwa Ibom state Barr. Oluwajuwon Ogunbiyi, who confirmed the incident, described the situation as unfortunate and called on the State Government to set up a committee to investigate the crisis.

He said “It is quite unfortunate that this crisis has led to the loss of innocent lives and destruction of properties.The Ibeno community had been a good host over the decades to both indigenes and non indigenes have been living there in harmony without rancour.

“I’ m therefore using this medium to appeal for peace and an end to hostilities from both warring parties. I also want to call on the Governor of Akwa Ibom State as well as Head of all security agencies in the state to intervene in the matter immediately in order to stem down this waves of violence.

“The state government must as a matter of urgency set up a committee to look into this crisis so as to ascertain the major cause. Perpetrators fanning the embers of war on both sides must be arrested immediately”.

Source: The Nation