By Williams Akpan, Calabar
Violent conflict has engulfed the Iko Esai community, Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State due to the enthronement of two village heads, resulting in the loss of lives and properties worth Billions of Naira.
Former Personal Assistant to the Deputy Leader of Akamkpa Local Government Council, Patrick Aidam, lamented the situation, highlighting the plight of Chief Obio Arong Owai, the Clan Head of Iko Esai.
“Today, the Clan Head of Iko Esai, Chief Obio Arong Owai, whose elder sister and daughter, Ma Titi Igwe Oyama and Bessie Igwe Oyama, were gruesomely murdered in cold blood, has been detained instead of receiving justice. His houses and cars were burnt down, yet he is the one awaiting charges for crimes in which he is not a victim,” Aidam stated.
The crisis has left the people of Iko Esai in despair, as many have lost their homes and means of livelihood. Over fifty houses have been burnt, and several residents have been wounded or killed.
Aidam alleged that the masterminds behind the violence have powerful backers, which is why no substantial intervention has been made to end the suffering of the people.
Hon. Okon Owuna, the member representing Akamkpa-1 in the Cross River State House of Assembly, provided insight into the origins of the conflict.
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Opined that the crisis began about five years ago when a faction of the village council and some youths sold the community’s forest to non-indigenous investors against the interests of other factions.
“The matter was taken to the Akamkpa High Court, but the parties later approached me seeking an alternative peace resolution.
I made an application to the court for the withdrawal of the case, and with the help of other elders, we facilitated a successful peace process,” Owuna said.
He further revealed that one of the major triggers of the renewed violence was the payment of royalties from the Iko Ekperim forest by an investor to one of the factions.
This act escalated tensions, leading to hate speeches, violent clashes, and the tragic killing of a youth.
“I held three meetings in Calabar and five in Akamkpa with both parties. The peace talks were costly but effective, and an agreement was signed to maintain peace before 2023,” Owuna added.
However, with the recent outbreak of violence, Owuna has called on the state government to urgently reinforce security operatives in the area, declare a state of emergency, and impose a curfew to prevent further bloodshed.
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In response to allegations of complicity in the crisis, the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Area, Daniel Agbor, in a statement signed by him, dismissed the claims that the Chairman, Felix Akposi, had a hand in the removal of the Clan Head.
“Rather than being appreciated for his efforts to maintain peace, the Chairman has become a scapegoat for those who thrive in conflict and disorder,” Agbor stated.
Maintaining that chieftaincy matters are governed by statutory and traditional laws, and at no point has the Local Government Council interfered in such affairs.
As the situation in Iko Esai remains tense, residents continue to call for urgent government intervention to restore peace and stability to the troubled community.
See Settlement File attached.
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