The Akwa Ibom state government has warned communities engaging in boundary crises between the Ikpanya community in Ibiono Ibom LGA and their neighbours of Arochukwu in Abia state to desist from reprisal attacks against each other.
It assured residents, particularly the people of Ikpanya in Ibiono Ibom local government area that it would continue to do everything within its power to ensure the safety and security of lives and property in the state.
The Akwa Ibom state deputy governor, Mr Moses Ekpo, gave the assurance Wednesday, during the donation of relief materials to the people of Ikpanya, who were victims of the recent boundary crisis between Ikpanya and Arochukwu in Abia state.
Ekpo, represented by the permanent secretary in his office, Mr Nkopuruk Ekaiko, said security agencies have been mandated to wade into the matter and provide intervention accordingly, in order to ensure the safety of lives and property.
The deputy governor, who donated relief materials to victims of the recent boundary crisis, sympathised with those who were directly affected by the boundary crisis, adding that the relief materials, though a temporary measures, was to help cushion the effects of the suffering of the people.
Ekpo said government would continue to place high premium on the welfare and wellbeing of it citizens.
“Do not take up arms against your neighbours, no matter the provocation, stay calm and avoid reprisal attacks,” Ekpo said.
The deputy governor commended the council chairman, Mr Ekpoimoh Edet and Mr Godwin Ekpo, member representing Ibiono Ibom at the state House of Assembly for their efforts and cooperation with the government in restoring peace to the area.
In his remarks, the chairman of Ibiono Ibom LGA, Mr Ekopimoh Edet, thanked the state government for the prompt intervention for assessment and release of relief materials to the victims.
Edet appealed to the state government to seek a permanent solution to the Ikpanya crisis, which has lingered for long.
