The Akwa Ibom State Government has waded into a protracted boundary dispute between Ediene Ikot Ebom in Oruk Anam and Minya in Mkpat Enin Local Government Areas.

 

Addressing representatives of both communities on Tuesday in the Old Exco Chambers, Government House, Uyo, Senator (Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi announced the state government’s commitment to pursuing an amicable resolution of the dispute in the interest of a peaceful and harmonious co-existence of the communities.

 

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“We all know that we were born to see the land and will eventually die and leave it for generations yet unborn. There’s no reason to fight and kill one another because of land”.

“The atmosphere of peace and unity which our Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has established in the State doesn’t only apply to the political landscape. It’s all-embracing.

“To the glory of God, we have been able to settle several land disputes since we assumed office in 2023. In communities where you have close familial ties, it is unfortunate to see that people will fight over a piece of land, and sometimes, lose the lives of loved ones as a result of such conflicts. But at the end of the day, that land remains.

“Our responsibility is to intervene by appealing to your hearts to see how best we can resolve the matter.”

 

She also called on the traditional rulers, youths, and stakeholders of both communities to take the path of peace, saying, “the main decision lies in the hands of the Village Heads, the Youths, and the Village Councils of both communities.”

 

On their part, the Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Council, Hon. (Engr.) Emmanuel Inyang, and his counterpart from Oruk Anam Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Festus Akpan, supported Senator Eyakenyi’s call for peace, affirming that as leaders of both Local Government Areas, they were eager to witness the restoration of peace to both communities.

 

In his contribution, former Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Godwin Abraham (Rtd), expressed his desire to see the dispute amicably and promptly resolved between the two neighbouring communities which have serially inter-married, share Churches and a market.

 

Presentations were also made by the counsel to both communities, as well as their Village Heads, who agreed that an out-of-court settlement was the best option to ensure a prompt and lasting resolution.

 

A Committee was constituted by the Deputy Governor to inspect the disputed land and further interface with representatives of both communities towards the final settlement of the dispute.

The Committee, which is chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Joseph Esidem has the following members: the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mfon Edemekong, Esq.; Surveyor-General of Akwa Ibom State, Surveyor (Mrs.) Emem Isang; and Special Assistant to the Governor on Boundary Matters, Elder Okokon Ufi.

 

The meeting was attended by government officials, traditional rulers and youth leaders from both communities.