Akwa Ibom, Abia Move To End Perennial Boundary Clashes

Akwa Ibom and Abia State governments are exploring various options to check clashes at their common boundary.

The perennial hostilities, it was gathered, pits the Itu Mbonuso people in Ini local government area of Akwa Ibom State against the Atan Abam community neighbours of Arochukwu, in Abia State.

But 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 gave the hint while visiting 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.

“His Excellency, the governor, Pastor 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, respectively appreciated the gesture, noting that “the village is strengthened by the Commissioner’s intervention.

They, therefore, thanked governor Eno, for charting the roadmap for a return of total peace in the troubled areas for socio-economic activities especially farming halted by the crises to thrive.