Hoodlums destroy government project in Akwa Ibom, igniting concerns over safety of the citizens and public infrastructure.
Yet-to-be-identified persons have destroyed a government hospital project sited on a disputed land in Akwa Ibom state. This has sparked further concerns over the security of government infrastructure.
The incident took place at Akoiyak, a region long embroiled in disputes between the people of Ibeno and Ekid nation.
The Akwa Ibom Police Command confirmed the attack on Wednesday. Police spokesperson, SP Timfon John, reported that the destruction occurred on Tuesday. She stated, “The report we have is that some hoodlums destroyed the property and facilities of the hospital project.”
The project is part of the state government’s efforts to build primary healthcare centres across Akwa Ibom, Medialord.ng gathered. These centres were intended for all 31 local government areas. The destruction of the facility has raised questions about security and the ongoing land disputes in the area.
Ekid-Ibeno land dispute tensions
The Akoiyak area, where the hospital project is located, has long been a point of tension between the Ibeno people and the Ekid nation. The two groups have been in conflict over land ownership and rights for years. Historical narratives suggest that land issues in this region have deep cultural and political roots.
For decades, both communities have contested the boundaries of their respective territories. While Ibeno claims Akoiyak as part of its land, the Ekid people assert ownership, citing historical land settlements and ancestral ties. These disputes have led to frequent clashes, making it difficult for the government to implement projects in the region.
Police investigate why hoodlums destroy government project
Following the attack, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, initiated an investigation into the destruction. SP John confirmed this, saying, “The Commissioner has launched an investigation to fish out the perpetrators of the act.”
The police are working to identify those responsible for the attack, which has disrupted the healthcare development plan. The hospital project was launched on August 14, 2024.
Historical context of the conflict
The dispute beteeen Ibeno and Ekid nation over land dates back to colonial times. During the British colonial era, unclear land demarcations led to overlapping claims that still exist today. As a result, both communities have maintained opposing views on land ownership. These tensions often escalate, especially when major development projects are introduced in the contested areas.
In recent years, the government’s attempts to resolve the dispute through dialogue and legal frameworks have seen limited success. The destruction of the hospital project serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in managing land disputes in the region.
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