There is tension in Ette Community, Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, following a misunderstanding between an army officer and suspected diesel thieves.

It was gathered that trouble started when the army officer (name withheld) was pursuing suspected diesel thieves in an attempt to arrest them.

A source from the community said that members of the community descended on the army officer, and in an attempt to escape the mob attack, he shot one of the villagers.

The enraged residents, the source added, blocked a section of the East-West Road, forcing motorists traveling to Port Harcourt to divert to alternative routes for safety.

“The situation escalated last night as community members set fire to four trucks, a bus, and a Navara Hilux belonging to the company,” the source added.

It was further gathered that at least four trucks, cars, and property worth millions of naira were destroyed as the crisis reportedly worsened.

Meanwhile, the army officer and the injured villager have been hospitalized and are receiving treatment.

Reacting to the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, DSP Timfon John, confirmed the development and stated that the command has commenced an investigation, noting that the situation has been brought under control.

According to her, “The command is aware of the incident. What actually happened was that an army officer was pursuing diesel thieves. When the community members descended on him, he attempted to escape the mob attack, so he fired his weapon and shot one of the villagers.

“The army officer and the injured villager have been taken to the hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, the situation is under control, an investigation is ongoing, and further details will be communicated.”