Gunmen kill 2 at fishing settlement in A’Ibom

Unidentified gunmen have killed two persons at Ayadehe and Mbiabo fishing settlements in Oku Iboku, Itu local Council Area of Akwa Ibom state.

It was gathered that other victims of the attack sustained various degrees of injuries during the attack while others are still reported missing.

Our correspondent gathered that the fishing settlements were attacked in the early hours of Monday and Tuesday respecttively.

In a telephone interview on Wednesday, the Chairman of Itu Local Government, Etetim Onuk, called on the state and federal governments to come to the rescue  the fishing community to prevent further loss of lives and properties.

“I condemn the incessant and unprovoked attack on the riverine communities of Oku Iboku, Ayadehe and Mbiabo by armed marauders.

“I am saddened by this unpleasant development and therefore, appeal to the federal government to beef up security in creeks by introducing a 24-hour military and police marine patrol along the waterways bordering the affected communities,” Onuk said.

He lamented a situation where armed men invade, kill and maim at will saying such attack was unacceptable.

Onuk commended the state Governor, Udom Emmanuel, for his efforts toward ending the protracted boundary crisis in Itu Council Area.

He condoled with the families of the slain fishermen and farmers, advising them to remain calm, and ignore any plan to retaliate as government would do all within its power to protect them.