COMMUNITY REPORT: Some warrying communities in Akwa Ibom State have been urged by a government spokesperson to jettison the reopening of old wounds and work for reconciliation.
What We Know
The government of Akwa Ibom State has urged the people of Ikot Akpan Udo in Ikot Abasi Local Government and their Amazaba community neighbours in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area to avoid truncating the peace building process it has already started.
The communities were particularly enjoined to avoid the temptation of re-opening old wounds inflicted on each other during the crisis.
The warring communities were urged to rather co-operate with the White Paper Implementation Committee set up to end the crisis and resettle displaced persons.
This advice was given by the Chairman of the White Paper Implementation Committee and commissioner of Health in the state, Prof. Augustine Umoh on Wednesday when he led other committee members to the two communities.
While addressing the two warring communities, Prof. Umoh said:
“The Udom Emmanuel’s led administration is desirous of ensuring that the sad chapter of the communities history of communal conflict is finally put to rest”.
Notable Quote
In the words of the committee Chairman, “The visit was to enable the White Paper Committee have an on-the-spot assessment of property destroyed during the crises which engulfed the areas in 2008.”
He continued, “We, therefore, urged the people not to reopen old wounds but to cooperate with the committee to provide locations where government could rebuild schools, health centres, markets, civic centres and other amenities that were destroyed.”
“We advised the two sides to abide by the terms of their Memorandum of Understanding while government undertakes a holistic review of their needs assessment for development of the areas to make way for proper resettlement.
According to Professor Umoh, the visit was a follow up to the various meetings between the committee and the affected communities, adding that the Government has taken serious steps that would lead to the provision of facilities that were destroyed in the area to enable the people return to normal life.
He also noted that the Udom Emmanuel administration was fully committed to restoring peace in the area, he said the community has a responsibility of providing an enabling environment for peace to thrive.
The two warring communities were urged not to disrupt the ongoing resettlement process and urged them to desist from taking actions capable of igniting another round of crisis in the area.
Response From Communities
In response, the village head of Ikot Akoan Udo, Eteidung Oscar Abel, who spoke through the chairman of the village council, Chief John Obotowo, appreciated the state government for efforts made so far to bring peace to the community.
They assured government of the willingness of Ikot Akpan Udo community to cooperate with the committee to execute the desired projects for the community.
According to Mr. Abel, the matter was not a case between Ikot Akpan Udo and Amazaba, rather the crisis between Ikot Abasi and Eastern Obolo.
At the Obolo Hall where Amazaba people had gathered, the Paramount Ruler, Chief Harry Etetor and the council chairman, Mr Abraham Odiong, said that for 14 years, the Amazaba people had no place to stay after being driven out of their community by Ikot Akpan Udo.
They appreciated government determination of settle the problem and pledged their readiness to cooperate to bring lasting peace to the area.
