Tensions have escalated between communities in Akwa Ibom State following a dispute over the ownership of a seaport located within the Liberty Oil and Gas Free Zone.
The conflict involves residents of Eastern Obolo Local Government Area and Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, both laying claim to the land where the facility is situated.
Crisis Deepens After Arrival of Ships
The dispute intensified over the weekend after ships berthed at the port, prompting celebrations among residents of Ikot Abasi.
However, the situation quickly deteriorated when youths from Eastern Obolo protested the development, threatening action over what they described as an attempt to wrongly attribute the project’s location.
Under the aegis of the Obolo Youth Coalition, the group warned that it would resist any continued claims that undermine their territorial ownership.
Eastern Obolo Youths Reject Ikot Abasi Claims
In a communiqué signed by its leaders, the group insisted that the seaport is entirely located within Eastern Obolo territory.
They accused some reports and stakeholders of spreading misleading information by attributing the project to Ikot Abasi, describing such claims as provocative and unacceptable.
According to the group, the misrepresentation undermines their community’s heritage and economic recognition tied to the seaport project.
Ikot Abasi Group Fires Back
In a swift response, the Ukpum Ete Unity Association, representing interests in Ikot Abasi, dismissed the claims as inaccurate and historically flawed.
The group argued that historical records, including a 1945 judgment, support their claim that the land belongs to the Ukpum Ete clan in Ikot Abasi.
They maintained that administrative changes, such as the creation of local government areas, do not alter original land ownership.
Calls for Government Intervention
Both groups have called on the Akwa Ibom State Government to intervene, warning that the dispute could threaten peace in the area if not urgently addressed.
While Eastern Obolo youths warned against continued “encroachment,” the Ikot Abasi group urged authorities to take action against what it described as attempts to incite unrest.
The development highlights growing tensions around resource control and territorial identity in oil-rich communities, especially as new economic projects emerge.
