The Ekid People’s Union (EPU) is concerned about a looming crisis over Ekid land. It has therefore raised a warning highlighting the ongoing illegal encroachment of Ekid land in Akoiyak (Stubbs Creek Forest). Agents from Ibeno Local Government are involved, along with security agencies. The encroachment poses serious threats to peace in the region, Medialord is aware.
In a press statement signed by Dr. Samuel Udonsak, the National President, and Hon. (Barr) Bassey Dan Abia, the Secretary General, the Union emphasizes urgent concerns. It alleges brewing acts that could threaten peace.
The statement says in part, “It has come to our attention that agents of Ibeno Local Government, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Lands, have cleared large swathes of land at Odoro Okuku within Akoiyak.”
The said land is legitimate property of Ekid. Agents are reportedly pegging it with plans to build a health facility for Ibeno. Furthermore, residents from Ndito Eka Iba village report that Ibeno agents have leased their land to a Chinese company. Currently, these agents are clearing their crops, they report. EPU views these actions as grave provocations, which violate the fundamental rights of the Ekid people.
Provoking crisis over Ekid land
EPU warns that these provocative acts not only threaten peace but also breach several laws. These include the Forest Reserve Ordinance of 1948 and the Governor’s order from March 1, 2024, which forbids further development on Stubbs Creek Forest. It states, “We see this act as the ultimate incitement of the Ekid people to action.”
Despite the Governor Umo Eno’s warnings against further encroachment, Ibeno agents continue their activities, EPU says. It clarifies that the Stubbs Creek Forest has never been acquired from the Ekid people. Therefore, it is not State land. Instead, it is regulated under the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve Ordinance 1930. The Ekid people are the rightful owners of the forest.
It further explains, “The only part of the Stubbs Creek Forest legally acquired from us is the ExxonMobil QIT Facility location. Proper compensation was paid to the Ekid people for that.”
Looming crisis and security concerns
On the issue of security agencies’ siege of the Esit Urua Palm Plantation, EPU says the plantation is not part of the Stubbs Creek Forest. It has always been the farmland of the Esit Urua people. The body insists that no other claim exists regarding this land. It subsequently highlights the plantation’s importance for the livelihoods of the Esit Urua community.
The union notes, “This plantation is the result of hard work. It supports families, pays school fees, and sustains livelihoods.” Therefore, EPU calls for the immediate lifting of the unjust siege on the plantation. The siege, they argue, is based on a false connection to Stubbs Creek Forest.
The union recalls that during a visit on March 1, 2024, the Governor promised to remove all illegal structures in the Stubbs Creek Forest. However, as of now, nothing has changed. Ibeno continues building structures in the forest, which violates existing laws, it says.
Time for Action
EPU sees attempts to build the Health Facility on Ekid land for Ibeno as persecution and conspiracy against the Ekid people. It insists that Ekid Nation remains peaceful and law-abiding. However, the union calls on Ibeno Local Government and state agents to respect the Governor’s order forbidding further development in the Stubbs Creek Forest.
The statement urges the Governor to take decisive action. “It is not enough to issue verbal orders. The Governor should enforce the laws on the Forest Reserve through an Executive Order.”
EPU also demands the lifting of the siege on the Esit Urua Palm Plantation. It stresses the need for the people to continue their economic activities. Furthermore, it calls for the removal of all illegal structures in Stubbs Creek Forest. The union emphasizes the urgency of this action to mitigate rising tensions in Ekid Nation. It warned that it cannot guarantee the actions of Ekid youths if these injustices continue.
Leave feedback about this