By Uko Okon
Coastal oil-bearing communities in Ibeno Local Government Area (LGA) of Akwa Ibom State have raised alarms over the potential resurgence of armed conflict. Reports indicate plans for an imminent attack by their Ekid neighbors, with concerns of an invasion by alleged land grabbers from the neighboring Eket and Esit Eket LGAs.
During a community meeting in Upenkang, Ibeno LGA, Chief Udofia Okon Udofia, the Secretary of the Ibeno Clan Council, disclosed that these groups, allegedly sponsored by the people of Eket and Esit Eket, were behind previous attacks in Ibeno villages such as Iwuoachang, Inua Eyet Ikot, and Ndito Eka Iba. These attacks had led to deaths, the destruction of homes, fishing gear, and other property.
Udofia said, “These individuals, who were sponsored by the people of Eket and Esit Eket, are responsible for the attacks in Ibeno villages. Their actions have led to the loss of lives and property, including fishing gear and homes.”
He pointed out that the attempt to remap certain LGAs by former Governor Udom Emmanuel, which saw oil-bearing villages transferred into other local governments like Onna, was one of the root causes of the ongoing crisis. He also highlighted the role of the Ekid People’s Union (EPU), led by Dr. Samuel Udonsak, in inciting and coordinating attacks against Ibeno communities.
“It’s clear that the Ekid People’s Union, led by Dr. Samuel Udonsak, has been instrumental in coordinating these attacks,” Udofia stated.
In a recent report by Dr. Samuel Udonsak at the EPU quarterly meeting on April 11, 2025, it was revealed that the Esit Urua people in Eket LGA now have unrestricted access to Ibeno’s palm plantations. Udofia expressed concern, stating, “The people of Esit Urua now have free access to our palm plantations, a situation we cannot accept.”
While commending Governor Umo Eno, the State Commissioner of Police (CP), and His Highness Dr. Ferdinand Ikwang for their efforts to address the crisis, Udofia appealed for divine intervention to ensure peace in the region.
“We are calling on Governor Umo Eno to act swiftly and call the people of Eket and Esit Eket to order,” Udofia urged. “We will not have peace unless the government enforces the 1981 court ruling in our favor regarding the land dispute.”
Udofia also expressed dissatisfaction with the state government’s lack of action following the February 26, 2024, attack on Iwoachang village, which left many families in distress. He lamented, “Despite the promises made by Governor Umo Eno, the victims of the Iwoachang attack have received no compensation, and the situation remains unresolved.”
Finally, Udofia appealed to the Governor to recognize the vital role of Ibeno in the state’s economy and national development, urging that the community be given the justice and support it deserves.
“We are the goose that lays the golden eggs, and we must feel a sense of belonging and justice,” Udofia concluded.
