A’Ibom Govt donates relief materials to communal crisis

Akpan Umoh

Akwa Ibom State government has donated relief materials to victims of communal clashes between Okopedi and Ammamong communities in Okobo Local Government Area.

It was learnt that houses and other valuable property in the affected communities were destroyed in a communal feud following claims of ownership of a farmland by both communities.

The deputy governor, Moses Ekpo, who was represented by his Permanent Secretary, Mr Nkopuruk Ekaiko presented the relief materials to the communities.

Among the items donated to the victims were, 200 bags of cement, mattresses, beddings, mosquito nets, about 180 bundles of zinc, bags of rice, garri and beans.

Addressing the victims and community leaders, Ekpo noted that the governor was seriously disturbed by the level of destruction Okopedi and Ammamong have suffered in the last few weeks.

He, however, urged the two communities to embrace dialogue and end this crisis permanently.

He said: “We should learn to live in peace for business and development to thrive in these areas. Government will not be willing to send more relief materials if the fight continues because it is spending so much to contain COVID-19.

“I want to commend and thank the council chairman, traditional rulers and security agencies for restoring normalcy to the areas.”

Receiving the items, Chairman, Okobo Local Government Council, Dr Sylvester Attah showed gratitude to the State Government, and appealed to the communities to sheathe their sword and desist from further destruction of property.

He said: “I thank the Governor for proving to be a listening leader, because immediately I reported the situation to him, he moved swiftly to assist us.

“I have always advised our people that there is nothing we can gain from crisis. There is dearth of good houses and properties in Okobo, and we are destroying the few that we have.

“I am appealing to the chiefs of Okopedi and Ammamong communities and our Paramount Ruler to call our youths to order. Let me also assure the State Government that none of these materials will be diverted; they will be distributed to the actual victims of the crisis.”