A’Ibom govt resolves 84-year-old boundary dispute

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The Akwa Ibom Government has put an end to the 84-year-old  boundary dispute between Ikot Itie Idung/Ikot Edong in Nsit Atai and Ekpene Ukim in Uruan Local Government Areas of the state.

The State Boundary Committee who conducted the proper demarcation of the boundaries on Tuesday, planted a ceremonial tree to signal the end of the dispute which began in 1940.

In her remarks during the peace settlement, the State Deputy Governor,  Sen. Akon Eyakenyi, lauded stakeholders from the two communities for their decision to embrace peace.

Eyakenyi, who is also the Chairman of the State Boundary Committee said the peace deal will create room for economic development and youth employment in the two Local Government Areas.

“Geographical proximity makes it imperative for us to share our lives, inter-marry and share children and grandchildren. 

“It doesn’t make sense for kinsmen and in-laws to quarrel perpetually, fight endlessly and live permanently as enemies, after all, we can all trace our origin to the same ancestry if we painstakingly go down memory lane.

“These two Local Government Areas are very strategic to the development of Akwa Ibom State, hence the need to maintain peace here. 

“The development that is coming to these two areas will translate into jobs for your youths and improved standard of living for all. I’m sure you’re already smelling progress around here.

“The massive investments in housing, aviation and tourism by the Pastor Umo Eno-led administration will certainly benefit Uruan and Nsit Atai LGAs but you have a role to play, to make it a reality,” Eyakenyi said.

Eyakenyi commended the Transition Chairmen, Paramount Rulers, Village Heads, youth leaders and other stakeholders from Uruan and Nsit Atai LGAs for their critical roles in ending the age-long boundary crisis.

She assured that the road which shows the demarcation between both LGAs will be properly tarred, while the land will be utilised for agricultural purposes by the government.

“These trees are not only physical objects of demarcation but potential sources of revenue for the communities.

“They symbolise peace, unity and brotherhood. Each time you look at them, remember your kinship, commitment to tolerate each other and promise to live in peace.

“I’m appealing to Ekpene Ukim to a ceasefire. The land is being taken over by the government for the sole purpose of development. This is not to deprive you, but to find a lasting solution to the issue. 

“The road demarcating these communities will be tarred. By the 2025 budget, this road will be included and I know the Governor will approve because he is peace-loving,” she said.

In their separate remarks, the Member representing Nsit Atai State Constituency, Mr Aniefiok Attah and his Uruan counterpart, Dr Itoro Etim, thanked the Chairman and members of the State Boundary Committee for being sensitive to the plight of the people of the communities.

They appealed for the active involvement of stakeholders and youths in the proposed agricultural programmes for the two LGAs.

The Transition Chairman, Uruan LGA, Mr Iniobong Ekpenyong and that of Nsit Atai, Mrs Emem Ibanga, were thankful to the State Government for ending the land dispute.