Peace has successfully been restored between the neighbouring communities of Adiasim Ikot Udo and Ekpenyong Ikot Ntuen in Essien Udim Local Government Area, bringing an end to a long-standing land dispute that had threatened the peaceful coexistence of both communities.
The peace meeting, convened by the Executive Chairman of Essien Udim Local Government Council, Hon. Elder Ntiedo Effiong Usoro was held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, in his office at the Council Secretariat. It brought together village heads, family heads, youth leaders, security agencies, and other critical stakeholders.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Usoro emphasised that peace, unity, dialogue, and mutual understanding remain the bedrock of sustainable development in every community. He urged both communities to put aside their differences and embrace genuine reconciliation, stressing that no meaningful development can thrive in an atmosphere of conflict.
The chairman stated that all government facilities within the disputed area, including the Customary Court, Primary Health Centre, and Urua Ebom Market, are the exclusive property of the Essien Udim Local Government Council.
He emphasised that Urua Ebom Market, which had been at the centre of the dispute between the two communities, remains a government-owned facility under the control and management of the local government council.
Read Also: Court Judgments, Historical Documents Validate ‘Controversial’ Akwa Ibom Map Law (Part 1)
He therefore warned that neither Adiasim Ikot Udo nor Ekpenyong Ikot Ntuen should lay claim to any of the government facilities or take any action capable of disrupting their operations.
The Council Chairman further directed the Village Heads of both communities to communicate the Council’s resolutions to their respective people, stressing that the local government is the sole authority responsible for the management of the Customary Court, Primary Health Centre, and Urua Ebom Market.
Hon. Usoro warned that anyone found instigating violence, causing damage to government property, or attempting to disrupt peace in the area would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property while ensuring that disputes are resolved through lawful and peaceful means.
In their separate remarks, Mr. James, Officer-in-Charge of Police Intelligence; the Divisional Police Officer, Essien Udim Division, CSP Baba Sanchi; and the Director, Department of State Services, Essien Udim, commended the Chairman for his timely intervention and unwavering commitment to restoring peace. They described the peace initiative as a demonstration of proactive leadership and urged the people of Adiasim Ikot Udo and Ekpenyong Ikot Ntuen to remain law-abiding, respect the resolutions reached, and resolve any future disagreements through dialogue and lawful means.
The security chiefs assured both communities of continued collaboration in safeguarding lives and property and warned that anyone found attempting to undermine the peace process or incite violence would face the full weight of the law.
Following extensive deliberations, representatives of both communities unanimously agreed to embrace peace, maintain cordial relationships, and respect all the resolutions reached during the meeting.
Responding on behalf of their respective communities, the Village Head of Adiasim Ikot Udo, Chief Peter Cosmos, and the Village Head of Ekpenyong Ikot Ntuen, Chief Isong Mathias Obuji, expressed profound appreciation to the Council Chairman for his timely intervention, fatherly leadership, and impartial approach to resolving the long-standing dispute.
They described the peace initiative as a historic milestone and pledged, on behalf of their communities, to uphold all the resolutions reached, maintain lasting peace, and continue to work together in the interest of unity, harmony, and sustainable development in Essien Udim Local Government Area.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the President of the Adiasim Consultative Forum, Professor Obotowo W. Obot, expressed profound appreciation to the Chairman, security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, and all stakeholders for their commitment to achieving a peaceful resolution to the dispute. He commended both communities for embracing reconciliation and urged them to remain steadfast in preserving the peace and unity achieved through the intervention of the Essien Udim Local Government Council.
The peace meeting concluded on a joyful note as representatives of both communities exchanged handshakes, embraced one another, and pledged to live together in peace and harmony, marking the end of years of misunderstanding and the beginning of a new era of unity, cooperation, and mutual respect.
