Ibesikpo-Asutan Communities Urge Governor Umo Eno to Halt Unconsulted Land Acquisition

            ——-STANDBYNETWORK——–

Community leaders from twelve villages in Ibesikpo-Asutan Local Government Area are calling on Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pst. Umo Eno, to address what they describe as the forceful acquisition of their lands without proper consultation. The affected communities include Nung Ukana Ikot Obio Akpan, Nung Ukana Ikot Efre, Ikot Okubo, and neighboring villages.

In response to a recent newspaper publication announcing the acquisition, the community leaders issued a communique condemning the process as opaque, secretive, and suspicious. They assert that they were neither informed nor consulted about the planned acquisition.

The leaders express their refusal to cede their lands for any purpose other than agriculture. The government publication indicated the lands would be used for a residential estate, while Hon. Ubong Attah, a member representing Ibesikpo Asutan in AKHA, and clan head Etebom Nsidibe Etuk have claimed a private university is planned for the site.

Upon learning of the acquisition plans on April 11, 2024, the community leaders sought intervention from the Commissioner for Lands, Captain Iniobong Ekong, the following day, voicing their concerns and displeasure.

While praising Governor Eno’s commitment to the state, the leaders argue that converting their agricultural lands for private development would exacerbate hunger and poverty among the predominantly farming and animal husbandry-dependent communities.

They urge the Governor to swiftly intervene, suggesting the lands be used for agricultural projects after proper consultation. The communique calls for the cancellation of the planned acquisition and an investigation into those allegedly using the Governor’s name for private gain.

Highlighting the critical role of agriculture in the ARISE Agenda, the leaders stress the importance of maintaining farmland, especially during the ongoing food crisis. They point out that many previously acquired estates, such as Idu Housing Estate and Dakkada Housing Estate, remain undeveloped, particularly in Ibesikpo.

Instead of private developments, they propose using the land for integrated farms to address food scarcity and create jobs, aligning with the Governor’s ARISE Agenda.