Rismadarvoice- 8th November, 2025
Akwa Ibom State Government has suspended the Village Head of Ikot Umo Essien in Essien Udim Local Government Area, Chief Monday Benjamin Esu, over alleged acts of terrorism and other offences bordering on breach of public peace.
A statement issued in Uyo by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong, said the suspension, which will last six months, is to allow for a full-scale investigation into the allegations leveled against the traditional ruler.
According to the statement, Chief Esu was accused of sponsoring acts capable of destabilizing public peace and security, including the vandalism and theft of facilities at the newly constructed blocks of shops at Ikot Ekpenyong Community Market, a neighbouring village, among other reported nefarious activities.
It would be recalled that in February 2024, hoodlums allegedly from Ikot Umo Essien Village invaded the local market in Ikot Ekpenyong, vandalizing and looting shops recently built as a constituency project facilitated by the immediate past Member representing Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Nsikak Ekong.
The attackers reportedly destroyed a Fadama-sponsored borehole and VIP lavatory, carting away items including aluminium roofing sheets, windows, doors, overhead tanks, water pumps, and generators. Residents of the community were said to have fled in fear following the incident.
Commissioner Archibong, who led a state government delegation on a fact-finding mission to assess the level of destruction, disclosed that the team discovered several of the looted items inside Ikot Umo Essien Village Council Hall, linking the crime to the village leadership.
Preliminary investigations, he said, indicted Chief Monday Esu as the prime suspect in the orchestration of the attacks.
The suspended village head has been directed to hand over all government property in his possession to the Village Council Secretary for the duration of his suspension.
