How Ndon-Eyo II Became a Hotspot for Crime—and the Mass Exodus That Followed

 For nearly two years, Ndon-Eyo II in Etinan LGA of Akwa Ibom State lived under fear. Once peaceful, the village became a hub for drug activities and kidnappers. Over 90% of residents—including the village head—fled for safety.

When a Village Falls Silent: The Untold Story of Ndon-Eyo II

 

Ndon-Eyo II in ELocal Etinan Government Area of Akwa Ibom State endured one of the darkest chapters in its history. A once peaceful and orderly community was overtaken by hoodlums who converted the area into a hub for drug activities and a haven for kidnappers.

The security situation deteriorated so severely that more than 90 percent of residents—including the village head—were forced to abandon their homes in search of safety. In response, the state government deployed a joint security task force to restore law and order and, where possible, effect arrests.

However, efforts were repeatedly frustrated. Each time security operatives approached the village, informants within the community alerted the criminals, allowing them to escape into the surrounding bushes. Once the operatives withdrew, the hoodlums returned to their enclaves, intensifying harassment and extortion. Farmers, market women, road users, and even churches were compelled to pay illegal levies before being “allowed” to carry out their lawful activities.

The criminal network operated with alarming boldness—almost like a parallel government—extending its influence from Ndon-Eyo II to Ekpat Akwa in Oruk Anam LGA, Nyaodion in Mkpat Enin LGA, and Ndon Urim in Etinan LGA. Their activities eventually drew the attention of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, which classified the matter as a special security concern and directed security agencies to intensify efforts to bring all perpetrators to justice.

A breakthrough came after surveillance drones were deployed to identify hideouts, escape routes, and camps used by the gang. With their strongholds compromised and the environment no longer safe for their operations, many of the criminals fled and never returned. Some reportedly abandoned their former activities and embraced peaceful living.

In the final stages of the crisis, traditional rulers stepped in with a decisive cultural injunction, warning that anyone contributing to the unrest would face dire ancestral consequences if they refused to desist. This intervention resonated strongly within the community.

On December 8, 2023, at the traditional grounds of Ndon-Eyo II—Atah Essien Ndon-Eyo II—the community gathered to mark a turning point. The day stands as a significant moment in the village’s history: a reminder of resilience, unity, and the enduring determination of the people to reclaim their homeland.

This report is published for The Sights and Sounds of Ndon-Eyo II.