AKSG Calls For Peace Between Warring Communities

Akwa Ibom State Government has said for peace, unity and development to thrive, warring communities in the state must, at all time; uproot the tree of war that has only borne fruits of killings and homelessness.

The State Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo, who was on a fact finding visit, made this known on Thursday when he visited Udung Okung in Eyo-Abasi and Ukpata Afaha Eduok in Idua, dispute areas in Oron Local Government Area.

He said government at both federal and state level had donated relief materials between 2009 and 2011 to victims of the crises, emphasizing that “effort of government at this juncture must be commended and reciprocated by a change of attitude toward embracing lasting peace.”

Mr. Ekpo said government will not hesitate to take over disputed land that has caused protracted crises among communities for economic development.

“Let me reiterate here that to think hatred and fight in today’s Akwa Ibom State is to live in the past; we are now in an era of peace and development. I would therefore appeal that we should remember that peace is the only battle worth waging because it precedes and gives rise to development. Let us sweat in peace and not bleed in war. We are known for peace, and we have to re-launch our society to that age-long track of honour and progress.”

“While government is ready to give the needed support where necessary for us to have a peaceful state, I urge you to continue to maintain and sustain the peace in your area to promote brotherliness,” he stressed.

Responding, Chairman of Oron Local Government Council, Mr. Orman Esin, who said the 11 years crisis has destroyed 1200 houses and rendered 9000 people homeless, appealed for support in the areas of road network; infrastructure; provision of fishing boats and canoes and soft loans from the state government.

Also speaking, the Clan Head of Afaha Okpo, Offong Francis Eyo, solicited for the release of Government White Paper and other material assistance to aid the relocation of his people back to their ancestral home.