Obot Akara LG Meets Boundary Communities
Obot Akara Local Government Area has taken proactive steps to address recent tensions within its boundary communities, particularly in the wake of the recent clash between Ikot Okim-Abama and Ariam in Abia State.
To ensure peaceful coexistence and prevent further escalation, the Executive Chairman, Rt. Hon. Simon Dominic, convened a high-level Strategic Peace and Security Meeting on Monday, February 23, at the Council Secretariat.
In his address, the Council Chairman, Rt. Hon. Simon Dominic, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents.
He strongly urged affected communities to embrace dialogue and avoid any form of reprisal attacks, assuring them that the Akwa Ibom State Government led by His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno and security agencies were already taking necessary steps to resolve the dispute.
“Our government will not condone any acts of violence or lawlessness. I urge all affected communities to exercise restraint and allow constituted authorities to handle the matter.
“We must recognize that violence only breeds further hardship. The path to progress lies in dialogue, mutual understanding, and peaceful coexistence,” the Chairman stated.
He further disclosed that the Local Government is working closely with the Akwa Ibom State Government to ensure that a lasting solution is reached, adding that security agencies have been directed to intensify surveillance in the region to prevent further hostilities.
Also speaking at the meeting, the immediate past Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Sir Monday Ebong Uko, commended the Chairman for his swift intervention and called on youths to steer clear of violence.
“No form of violence or aggression will lead to sustainable solutions. As youths, your role is to foster unity, not to take up arms against your neighbors. We must learn to settle disputes through inter-boundary dialogue and diplomatic engagements,” he cautioned.
Sir Monday also sympathized with the families who lost their loved ones during the crisis, describing the loss of lives as a painful and unfortunate tragedy.
“It is truly heartbreaking that lives have been lost due to this crisis. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families. As a people, we must commit to ensuring that such incidents do not repeat themselves. Peace remains the foundation of meaningful development, and we must work together to protect our communities from unnecessary bloodshed,” he added.
On behalf of the Traditional Rulers’ Council (TRC), the Clan Head of Nto Edino, His Highness Isidore Jacob, expressed grave concern over the clashes that have claimed lives and called on the government to take decisive steps in ensuring a peaceful resolution.
The meeting had in attendance key stakeholders, including the Vice Chairman, Hon. Mercy Leo Okure, Secretary, Comrade Joseph C. Akpan, all Supervisors and Councillors, Honorary Special Adviser to the Governor on Boundary Matters, Barr. Cosmas Udoette, DG- Amazing Grace Campaign, Engr. Bassey Ntuen, Personal Assistant to the Governor on Youth Matters, Comrade Amama Aloysius,
Others were the Security Operatives, Traditional Rulers, Community Chairmen, Youth Leaders and other critical actors, all of whom deliberated on practical solutions for ensuring sustainable peace and stability in the affected communities.
