The Akwa Ibom State Government has suspended Chief Monday Esu, the village head of Ikot Umo Essien in Essien Udim Local Government Area, following allegations linking him to violent and criminal acts described by state officials as “terror-related.”
The suspension, confirmed in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Frank Archibong, was announced on November 5, 2025, and will last six months pending the outcome of an investigation.
According to the ministry, preliminary findings implicated Chief Esu in the alleged sponsorship of hoodlums who vandalised and looted newly constructed market stalls and public facilities at the Ikot Ekpenyong community market.
The attackers reportedly destroyed blocks of shops built under a constituency project, removing roofing sheets, windows, doors, water tanks, pumps and generators.
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Archibong said the act amounted to a breach of public peace and ordered the traditional ruler to hand over all government property in his possession to the village council secretary.
The commissioner added that security agencies had been directed to support the investigation and restore calm in the affected area.
The government noted that the suspension was administrative and aimed at ensuring a fair and independent probe, while warning that any traditional leader found complicit in acts of lawlessness would face appropriate sanctions