Akwa Ibom to build properties destroyed during communal clashes 

The Akwa Ibom state government has commenced moves to restore lasting peace by building properties destroyed during communal clashes between Ikot Akpan Udo village of Ikot Abasi local government and its Amazaba community neighbours of Eastern Obolo local government area of the state. 

This was indicated by the first visit of the state government White Paper Implementation Committee to the two communities, Thursday. 

Addressing the communities, the leader of the team and state Commissioner for Health, Prof Augustine Umoh, noted that the Udom Emmanuel administration was “desirous of ensuring that the communal conflict is finally put to rest.”

He said the visit was to “enable the White Paper Committee to have an on-the-spot assessment of property destroyed during the crises which engulfed the areas in 2008.

“The two sides are to abide by the terms of their Memorandum of Understanding while government undertakes a holistic review of the needs assessment for the development of the areas to make way for proper resettlement.

“The visit is a follow up to the various meetings between the committee and the affected communities.”

 “The government has taken serious steps that would lead to the provision of facilities that were destroyed in the area to enable the people to return to normal life,” he added.

Umoh warned the people not to reopen old wounds but to cooperate with the committee to provide locations where the government could rebuild schools, health centres, markets, civic centres, and other amenities that were destroyed. 

At Ikot Akpan Udo, the village head, Eteidung Oscar Abel, who spoke through the chairman of the village council, Chief John Obotowo, appreciated the state government for efforts made so far to bring peace to the area.