By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has advised youths of Ikot Ada Akpan, Oku Iboku in Itu local government to refrain from further hostilities and be law-abiding.
Governor Emmanuel gave the advice during his visit to the community following reported incidents of attack allegedly carried out by the neighbouring Ikot Offiong community in Cross River State.
He urged the youths to cooperate with security personnel drafted to the area to safeguard their lives and property.
According to Governor Emmanuel, the state government and that of Cross of River are working out a way to amicably resolve the conflict and urged them to go about their businesses and also report any suspicious movements to the security operatives.
“When you are law-abiding, it is very easy for the law to protect you. As responsible Government, we will try and make sure we protect lives and properties so that this does not happen again,” he assured.
He described the attack as an unwarranted aggression for people to cross over to Ikot Ada Akpan community to wreck mayhem on unsuspecting members of the community leading to loss of lives.
The Governor hinted that the issue in contest was before a competent court of jurisdiction being the Supreme Court.
He said “I will discuss with my colleague from our sister state and I think everybody should be law-abiding enough to await the Supreme Court Judgment”.
Governor Emmanuel assured that the life of every citizen counts and urged them to volunteer intelligence reports to the security agents.
The Governor sympathized with the families of those who lost their loved ones during the renewed conflict.
A clan head in the area, Mr. Ability Peter Emma expressed appreciation to the Governor for the swift response to their plight and pledged their readiness to cooperate with the security agencies.
Governor Emmanuel was accompanied by the member representing Itu in the federal house of representatives, Dr. Henry Archibong, transition chairman of Itu local government, Deaconess Elsie Esara, the state police commissioner, Mr. Donald Awunah, The commandant 2nd brigade, Brigadier General Abdulahi Hassan, The secretary to the state government (SSG), Sir Etekamba Umoren and members of the state executive council.
It would be recalled that the people of Oku Iboku in Akwa Ibom and their neighours of Ikot Offiong in Cross River states have been recurrent conflict traced back to over 20 years with each other over a piece of farmland.
