Akwa Ibom Resolves 84-year-old Land Dispute between Uruan, Nsit Atai Communities

Okon Bassey in Uyo

An 84-year-old land tussle between Ikot Itie Idung/Ikot Edong in Nsit Atai Local Government Area and Ekpene Ukim in Uruan Local Government Area has been resolved by the Akwa Ibom State Government through the State Boundary Committee.

A ceremonial tree planting exercise signaling the end of the dispute, which reportedly began in 1940, was held to demarcate the boundaries between the communities.

Speaking at the event, the state Deputy Governor and Chairman of the State Boundary Committee, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, lauded stakeholders from the communities for their decision to embrace peace, pointing out that the administration of Governor Umo Eno remains committed to enduring peace in the state.

While describing Nsit Atai and Uruan as key local government areas in the development of the state, the deputy governor said the peace deal will create room for economic development and youth employment in the two local government areas.

According to him, “Geogra-phical proximity makes it imperative for us to share our lives, inter-marry and share children and grandchildren.” 

“It doesn’t make sense for kinsmen and in-laws to quarrel perpetually, fight endlessly and live permanently as enemies, after all, we can all trace our origin to the same ancestry if we painstakingly go down memory lane.

“These two local government areas are very strategic to the development of Akwa Ibom State, hence the need to maintain peace here. The development that is coming to these two areas will translate into jobs for your youths and improved standard of living for all. I’m sure you’re already perceiving progress around here.

“The massive investments in housing, aviation and tourism by the Governor Umo Eno-led administration will certainly benefit Uruan and Nsit Atai LGAs but you have a role to play to make it a reality.”

Senator Eyakenyi acknowledged the roles played by the Transition Chairmen, Paramount Rulers, Village Heads, youth leaders and other stakeholders from Uruan and Nsit Atai LGAs in ending the age-long boundary dispute and further described the trees as potential revenue sources for the communities.

She assured them that the road which shows the demarcation between both LGAs would be properly tarred, while the land will be utilised for agricultural purposes by the government.

“These trees are not just physical objects of demarcation and potential sources of revenue for the communities. They symbolise peace, unity and brotherhood. Each time you look at them, remember your kinship, commitment to tolerate each other and promise to live in peace.

“I’m appealing to Ekpene Ukim to ceasefire. The land is being taken over by the government for the sole purpose of development. This is not to deprive you, but to find a lasting solution to the issue,” the deputy governor said.

In their separate remarks, the members representing Nsit Atai State Constituency, Prince Aniefiok Attah, and his Uruan counterpart, Dr. Itoro Etim, thanked the chairman and members of the State Boundary Committee for being alive to their responsibilities.

They appealed for active involvement of stakeholders and youths in the proposed agricultural programmes for the two LGAs.