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.