Residents of Ikot Akpan in Essien Udim local government area of Akwa Ibom state have been reportedly displaced, thanks to heavy bombardment of the area by security agents in search of suspected terrorists.

Reports say the heavy bombardment has created a humanitarian crisis, as mass movement of persons from the community to nearby local government areas have caused a swell in the population of some host villages.

On Tuesday, a combined military operation had carried out bombardment on Ikot Akpan community following the recent spate of attacks on security operatives in the area by gunmensuspected to be members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra-IPOB.

About four security operatives have allegedly been killed by the gunmen who also seize their guns, while police stations and military vehicles have also been reportedly set ablaze in the ensuing crisis.

The military commenced bombardment of the suspected enemy hideouts in Ikot Akpan and environs with drones and helicopters flying at very low levels. The operation is believed to have left an undisclosed number of casualties.