Asanting community in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has declared an acclaimed youth leader wanted over alleged cases of terrorism and vandalization of properties in the community.
The suspect identified as Ukeme Albert, is alleged to be behind the vandalization of infrastructure in the community including a water project donated by Winners Chapel, a Palm Oil Mill built by the people, and the stealing of cows belonging to herdsmen in the area.
Addressing newsmen on Sunday at his Palace, the village head, Eteidung Ime Udoaka, said security agencies have been informed about the situation and have launched a manhunt for the man.
He said trouble started in the village when Ukeme, on his return, claimed to be the leader of the village, which resulted in a commotion in the area.
The Obong accused the suspect of selling community assets including a transformer and disputed land.
He also noted that Ukeme was terrorizing a dredging company working in the community and forcing them to pay a monthly sum of N250,000 to him until the village council intervened through security agencies.
“The youth leader, Ukeme Albert went with his gang to the village stream and intimidated workers of a dredging company here and forced them to pay him N250,000 and the village council intervened to stop it after he had collected the cash for many months.
“The youth leader also went to the site where Winners Chapel Church is building Faith Academy School and intimidated workers for contracts and other incentives.
“He vandalized the water project that was provided by the Church for the community and also destroyed the Palm Oil Mill built by the community and escaped,” the village chief stated.
He urged security agencies to investigate and arrest the absconded youth leader to face charges of cultism and terrorism.
