Akwa Ibom resolves Ibeno/Ilaje fishing community crisis
Akwa Ibom government says it has resolved the crisis between its Ibeno community and Ilaje people of Yoruba descent at Mkpanak in Ibeno Local Government Area of the state.
The deputy governor, Mr Moses Ekpo made the declaration in a statement issued on Wednesday in Uyo.
He stated that hostilities erupted between the two groups at the Ibeno fishing settlement on April 19 leading to the killing of one person, and the destruction of property.
The two groups have agreed to sheath their swords, he assured.
The deputy governor added that their leaders also agreed to end the crisis so that the two groups would continue to live in peace at the fishing settlement.
Ekpo stated also that the two groups would sign a Memorandum of Understanding on peaceful co-existence on Friday, April 29.
The deputy governor equally stated that he attended the peace meeting with the Chairman of the Ibeno Local Government Area, Chief William Mkpah.
Also at the meeting were representatives of the Paramount Ruler of Ibeno, Chief Okutinyang Inyang, heads of the three concerned villages, and leaders of Ibeno and Ilaje fishermen.
“The meeting was also attended by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr Ini Adiakpan, senior law enforcement and other security agents,’’ he stated.
Ekpo directed the leadership of the Ibeno Local Government Council to ensure the safe return of those who fled the fishing settlement in the wake of the crisis.
He stated that government had sent relief materials comprising food items, mosquito nets, blankets and clothing to affected fishermen and their families in temporary camps in Eket.
“The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare has already taken care of two women delivered of their babies in one of the camps on April 26,’’ Ekpo stated. (NAN)
