GRASSROOTS: Akwa Ibom, Abia Tackle Clashes At Border Communities
Imoh ESSIEN, UYO
Akwa Ibom and Abia state governments are exploring various options to check clashes at their common boundary.
There has been perennial hostilities between
Itu Mbonuso people in Ini local government area of Akwa Ibom state and he Atan Abam community of Arochukwu in Abia state.
The two neighbouring governments have expressed determination to end years of skirmishes with attendant loss of lives and properties on both sides.
The commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor, who disclosed this when he visited the victims at Ikot Essien community of Itu Mbonuso in Ini LGA, whose indigenes were taken hostage by Atan Abam warriors of Arochukwu LGA, said Governor Umo Eno, was in talks with his Abia counterpart, Dr Alex Otti, to settle the age-long dispute.
“Gov. Umo Eno, is committed to restoring peace and security in the area as investigations and talks are ongoing between security agencies in both Akwa Ibom and Abia states for the resolution of the matter,” Offor disclosed.
The commissioner, who sponsored the medical treatment of those who sustained severe injuries in the attack, also doled out financial support with relief materials including foodstuffs to the displaced victims.
She specifically commended the people of Ikot Essien, for not taking the laws into their hands through reprisal attacks, and assured that justice would prevail on the matter.
The victims lauded the Commissioner for the gesture, and expressed appreciation that the intervention has made them to feel the impact of governance in their challenging times, recalling that “when the tragedy struck, you reached out to us and sent support, and you are still doing so.”
Village Head of Ikot Essien, Chief Emmanuel Essien, thanked Mrs. Offor, for her show of love and compassion to the distressed community and prayed God to bless and reward her.
Representatives of the youth, men and women, Mr Innocent Akpan, Mr Silas Cletus and Mrs Ikwo Essien, also commended the gesture, noting that “the village is strengthened by the Commissioner’s intervention.
