Economic Activities in Eket Under Serious Threat—Group

By Dipo Olowookere

The government of Akwa-Ibom State has been urged to urgently address the security situation in the Eket area of the state so as not to completely ground business activities in the town.

This appeal was made by a group known as the Eket Business Forum on Monday through its leader, Mr Dominion Akpan.

Mr Akpan noted that the increasing rate in crime in Eket was already scaring away business owners and potential investors.

According to him, the recent abduction of ExxonMobil workers, incessant cultism, protests, and other security concerns has made Akwa Ibom’s second largest city no longer conducive for business.

He warned that if government fails to act fact, a number of small and big businesses in Eket would be forced to shut down operations.

“In July, the Police had to rescue 19 employees of ExxonMobil, who were travelling from Port Harcourt for a crew change of duty at Qua Iboe Terminal.

“The abduction of the workers is very worrisome because it was said to have the blessing of some community leaders in the area.

“The suspected kidnappers reportedly draped sacks over their victims’ heads, as they took them to their hideout but were rescued by the police,” Mr Akpan said.

He added that, “Cultism is also a huge blight on Eket. Eket, which has significant presence of workers of ExxonMobil, is among the four local government areas mostly affected by perennial cult-killings and related violence in the state.

“In June, three people were killed by cultists in the area. A contract worker with Mobil was among those killed. He was reportedly shot in the head at close range while drinking at a pub, somewhere in the city.”

“Also earlier this year, youths under the aegis of Nigeria Youth Initiative Forum (NYIF), in Akwa Ibom State threatened ExxonMobil demanding the employment of youths within the catchment area in contracting firms under the management of the multinational company or suffer disruption of their activities.

“The youths threatened to barricade the Qua Iboe Terminal road and the Mobil airstrip should the company ignore their demand,” he said further.

As a result,

He said many workers were also becoming jittery of moving around the community, while expatriates had to be heavily guarded by security operatives while commuting in the area.

“As it is, life has been almost paralysed in Eket, as many workers are afraid of going out once darkness sets in. The thick cloud of insecurity in the area holds no good to no one,” he disclosed.