Tuesday July 29, 2025
By TheNewsDESK |
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has unanimously urged the State Ministry of Internal Security to promptly collaborate with security agencies to secure the release of 13 innocent citizens from Itu Mbonuso, who were reportedly abducted on their farm by individuals believed to be indigenes of Arochukwu in Abia State.
The resolution followed a matter of urgent public importance raised by Hon. Lawrence Udoide of Ini State Constituency during plenary session on Tuesday, July 29.
Udoide’s alarm was triggered by the abduction of 13 individuals from Itu Mbonuso on Monday, July 14, 2025, following misunderstanding between one of his constituents and some people from Arochukwu, a neighboring community in Abia State.
The lawmaker expressed grave concern over the rising incidents of violence in his constituency, describing the situation as a siege perpetrated by unscrupulous elements from Arochukwu.
During his presentation, Udoide highlighted the deteriorating security conditions in Ini local government area, noting that residents of Nkari, Itu-Mbonuso, and Iwerre now live in constant fear.
Udoide recounted, “One of my constituents went to his farm and discovered that someone had trespassed on his land. He, along with his brother, approached the trespassers to resolve the issue amicably. Unfortunately, a misunderstanding ensued, and the trespassers called for reinforcements.
“My constituent was assaulted, and one person was abducted and taken to Abia State. The brother who returned home to report the incident later returned with others to search for the abducted individual, only to be ambushed, resulting in the abduction of 12 more people from Itu Mbonuso, bringing the total to 13 that are yet to be released.”
Udoide expressed particular concern over a statement made by his counterpart in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Okoro Uchenna Kalu, who claimed that the fault lay with the people of Itu Mbonuso and that his constituents were the ones abducted.
“We are not a violent people. We have repeatedly faced attacks from Abia State, particularly from Arochukwu. Our communities, Nkari and Iwerre, have been targeted before. These abductions are becoming so frequent that residents are afraid to leave their homes, and even those who stay indoors are not safe,” he stated.
He pleaded with the House to take action and inform Governor Umo Eno to engage with the Abia State government to facilitate the release of the 13 abducted individuals.
Udoide’s report was received through a motion by Hon. Moses Essien (Ibiono Ibom State Constituency) and seconded by Hon. Itoro-Obong Etim (Uruan State Constituency).
During the debate, Hon. Eric Akpan, representing the Nsit Ibom State Constituency, described the incursion of Arochukwu into Itu Mbonuso as unacceptable, stating, “Our people deserve the right to live freely.”
Adding to the discussion, Hon. Moses Essien (Ibiono Ibom State Constituency) emphasised the recurring nature of these incidents, calling on government to prioritise resolving these boundary disputes.
In response to the lawmakers’ concerns, the Speaker, Rt. Hon.( Elder ) Udeme Otong, described the situation as “pathetic” and urged the Akwa Ibom State Government to engage the Abia State Government without delay to ensure the safe return of the abducted individuals.
He also directed the Chairman of the House Committee on Security to coordinate with the relevant government’s Ministry and security agencies for updates on the situation in addition to working towards preventing further attacks on Itu Mbonuso and other border communities in the Ini Local Government Area.
Meanwhile, the House has been adjourned to reconvene on August 5th 2025.
