The Deputy Governors of Abia and Akwa Ibom States have stepped in to de-escalate tensions between Akirika Obu community in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State and Ikot Udo community in Ika Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, urging sustained peace to enable the smooth execution of an ongoing road construction project linking the areas.

Addressing stakeholders at a peace meeting in Akirika Obu, the Abia State Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, appealed to residents of both communities to maintain calm and allow the project to proceed without obstruction. He clarified that the intervention was not intended to resolve land ownership or boundary issues, which he said remain the responsibility of the National Boundary Commission.
“We are not here to determine boundaries. That responsibility lies with the National Boundary Commission,” Engr. Emetu stated. “Our priority is to ensure that this road project is completed because development and economic opportunities naturally follow good infrastructure.”
He revealed that the governments of both Abia and Akwa Ibom States have approved construction of the road from their respective ends, noting that the two sections would converge at the disputed point pending official boundary demarcation. He urged the communities to embrace peaceful coexistence, reminding them of their shared history, intermarriages, and cultural bonds.
The Deputy Governor also commended security agencies for their proactive role in maintaining peace, while warning that both state governments would deal firmly with any individuals or groups attempting to disrupt harmony and development in the area.
In her remarks, the Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor, Senator (Dr.) Akon Etim Eyakenyi, called on community leaders and residents to prioritize peace and allow the road construction to continue unhindered. She emphasized that road infrastructure is critical to economic growth and social development, stressing that the joint intervention was motivated solely by the desire to promote progress and shared prosperity.
She further praised the Governors of Abia and Akwa Ibom States for their commitment to collaboration and development-driven governance.
Also speaking, the Commander of the 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Brigadier General Hassan M. Bello, explained that the military’s presence in the area was strictly to provide security and support peaceful engagement among stakeholders. He downplayed the boundary dispute, noting that the affected communities share deep cultural and familial ties.
Brigadier General Bello emphasized that the Nigerian Army was not involved in boundary determination but would support and enforce decisions reached by constituted authorities, warning that any attempt to undermine the peace process would be firmly resisted.
In separate remarks, the Mayor of Ukwa East LGA, Chief Chibunna Akara, and the Chairman of Ika LGA, Hon. Utibe Nwoko, appealed to their respective communities to give peace a chance and support the ongoing road project, describing it as a collective asset meant to benefit all.
The peace meeting, which drew officials from both states, traditional leaders, and security personnel, underscored a renewed commitment to inter-state cooperation and lasting peace aimed at ensuring sustainable development in the affected border communities.

Amah Ijeoma
FIC Correspondent Office of the Deputy Governor
22-01-2026