Fight Over Girlfriend Ends up in disaster for a whole community in Akwa Ibom State.

Inter-Communal Clash Is Akwa Ibom Ends Up In Disaster
As a result of the conflict which started with two boys’ fight over a girlfriend, 1 person was killed, 400 people were displaced and 60 houses were razed in Akwa Ibom.
Vanguard reports with reference to Niger Delta Voice that the inter-communal clash occurred between the youths of Ikot Umiang and Ikot Edah communities, Nkpat Enin LGA of the state.
A source who pleaded for anonymity narrated:
“A young man, who hails from Ikot Umiang and residing in Ikot Edah had a minor misunderstanding with his friend, an indigene of Ikot Edah, over a lady both of them had dated previously.
“What really transpired between them is not clear. But it was so serious that in the evening of the following day, when the Ikot Umiang boy was passing through Ikot Edah after his normal business, the Ikot Edah-based lover boy and his gang waylaid and stabbed him to death.”
Ikot Umiang youth allegedly decided to take a revenge and stormed Ikot Edah at about 8a.m armed with guns, machetes, axes, fuel and other dangerous weapons.

They assaulters were said to have manhandled elderly people, especially the women who tried to plead with them.
One of the villagers, Aniete Bradforth, disclosed:
“The Ikot Umiang youths came in like soldier ants with guns, petrol and matches and before we knew what was happening, this house (pointing to a residence) was on fire.
“They beat up a 90-year-old woman, who lives here, leaving her with injuries all over her body.”
The village head, Usoro, confirmed the attack lamenting:
“I watched my house set ablaze with N2 million cash inside.”

The case was immediately reported to the police and they managed to carry out some arrests
It was discovered however at Ikot Umiang that the community had been deserted by villagers for fear of possible arrests.
One of the local officials, council boss Mr Akpan, described the situation as hear-breaking and vowed to do everything possible to help those who suffered in the conflict.
“This is heart breaking and I cannot hold back tears. But as I said, there is no point retaliating as the police, who have done very well already, will investigate the matter and bring all the culprits to book.
“On our part as a government, the council will ameliorate the situation and as a matter of fact, 12 hours from now, we will assemble all villagers of this community and give them some relief materials.
“It is pathetic that the only property of these people now have are the clothes on their body, but we will do our best.”
It was obtained that more than 25 suspects were detained in connection with the case.