AKSG WADES INTO IKOT OSURUA/IKOT UBO COMMUNAL CLASHES …… Urges the two parties to embrace Peace
By The Evangelist News Edition, Tuesday September 5, 2023. Admin.
Akwa Ibom State Government has waded into the communal clashes between Ikot Osurua and Ikot Ubo Villages in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, urging the warring communities to sheath their swords and give peace a chance.
The State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Frank Archibong made the call during a peace meeting with the Paramount Ruler of Ikot Ekpene LGA, HRM Okuku Udo Ukut ,Village Heads and Village Councils of the two warring villages which took place in Uyo on Monday.
He condemned the wanton destructions of properties and threat to lives which had caused some residents of the two villages to flee for safety outside their homes, adding that it is out of place for communities who had hitheto lived together in peace and harmony to resort to war on issues that could have been resolved on a round table.
The Chieftaincy Affairs boss reiterated the importance of peace in any society, saying that Ikot Ekpene is one of the strategic LGAs in Akwa Ibom State ,with high level of socio-economic activities, housing a citadel of Education, the Polytechnic, and as such the two teams should strive for peace as well as create a conducive atmosphere for businesses and developments to thrive.
Archibong commended the Ikot Ekpene Paramount Ruler, Okuku Udo Ukut, Council Chairman,Hon. Unyime Etim, and the Law enforcement Agencies for their efforts to restore peace in the two villages, warning perpetrators of the crisis to desist forthwith as State Government will not fail to bring those formenting trouble to book.
In his remarks, the Paramount Ruler of Ikot Ekpene LGA,HRM Okuku Udo Ukut who took time to recount all that transpired and culminated in the crisis between the two communities ,solicited the intervention of the State Government on the issue which he asserted had gone beyond his capacity.
He thanked the State Government through the Commissioner,Frank Archibong for the steps taken so far to put an end to the caos ,and prayed for enduring peace in the areas.
The meeting ended on a good note as the two parties agreed to bury the hatchet and embrace peace .
Meanwhile,the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Archibong has addressed the lingering leadership tussle regarding Village Headship stool of Ikot Osurua, enjoining the two Village Heads-elect to be patient as the issue would be settled with the court ruling.
The meeting also had the presence of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Elder Ini Ikie and Secretary, State Traditional Rulers Council, Mr Emmanuel Umontuen.
