Nine children remain unaccounted for following a violent attack on Ndito Eka Iba village in Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The assault, which occurred on Christmas Eve in 2024, was reportedly carried out by individuals from the neighboring Esit Eket and Eket LGAs over a longstanding boundary dispute.
Speaking with journalists, community youths and affected parents expressed deep concern over the continued disappearance of the children.
The Youth President of the community, Ukot Robert, revealed that some families fear the worst, believing their children may have been killed during the incident since they have not been seen since December.
Robert further disclosed that attacks on residents have not ceased, as assailants continue to ambush and harm people along the coastal areas of the community.
According to him, local youths recently apprehended five individuals who attempted to destroy property in the village and handed them over to the police.
He lamented the continuous attacks from neighboring LGAs, attributing the crisis to Ibeno’s refusal to cede parts of its land under the proposed remapping of Akwa Ibom State.
He stated that a search party has been established to locate the missing children, while authorities have been alerted to the situation.
Meanwhile, the Ijaw Youth Chairman in Ibeno LGA, Emmanuel Opolo, called for an end to the hostilities, warning that repeated attacks could provoke retaliation.
He disclosed that the community had suffered four separate attacks between February 2024 and February 2025.