Concerns Grow over Workers’ Abduction, Cultism in Eket

Eket Business Forum (EBF) has raised the alarm that the heightened insecurity in the area had forced some companies to close shops, resulting in job losses.

EBF Chairman, Chief Dominion Akpan, who disclosed this in a statement obtained by THISDAY, said the recent abduction of ExxonMobil workers, cultism, incessant protests and other security concerns ranked Akwa Ibom as “the second largest city no longer conducive for business.”

He said: “In July, the Police had to rescue 19 ExxonMobil staff 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 they were rescued by the Police.

“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 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.”

He further explained that earlier this year, youths under the aegis of Nigeria Youth Initiative Forum (NYIF) in Akwa Ibom State, had threatened ExxonMobil demanding the employment of youths within the catchment area in contracting firms under the management of the multinational company. According to him, they threatened to disrupt of the oil firm’s activities by barricading the Qua Iboe Terminal road and the Mobil airstrip should the company ignore their demand.