Amazaba, Ikot Akpanudo Communities Seek Development After 18-Year Conflict
…Appeal to AKSG for roads, hospitals, schools, markets, security, rehabilitation
By Julius Nsikak
After 18 years of communal conflict that claimed lives, destroyed property and disrupted economic activities, the Amazaba Group of Communities in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area and Ikot Akpanudo Community in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have declared an end to their hostilities, calling for urgent government intervention to rebuild their communities and improve residents’ living conditions.
The communities made the declaration Thursday, 15 October 2026, during a joint world press conference held at their boundary, where representatives reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful coexistence and appealed to the Akwa Ibom State Government for a comprehensive development programme to address the consequences of the prolonged crisis.
The address on behalf of the communities was read by the Chairman of the Peace Committee, Mr Etongawaji Christopher John, who outlined their demands for infrastructure, humanitarian assistance, improved security and economic recovery.
The declaration followed a peace agreement reached on 10 December 2025 through the efforts of youths from both communities, who recognised the need to end the hostilities and create a safer future for their people.
The representatives said the reconciliation had opened a new chapter in their relationship but stressed that the achievement would only have lasting value if followed by practical measures to restore damaged infrastructure, revive economic activities and improve access to essential services.
For nearly two decades, the conflict affected the security and welfare of residents, with families experiencing bereavement, displacement, property losses and economic hardship. The disruption also undermined the peaceful relationships necessary for communities to pursue shared development goals.
They maintained that the restoration of peace had created an opportunity to rebuild relationships and address longstanding needs that could no longer be ignored.
The communities therefore appealed to the Akwa Ibom State Government and the Eastern Obolo and Ikot Abasi Local Government Councils to prioritise basic infrastructure and public services capable of improving the quality of life in the affected areas.
Among their major demands was the construction and rehabilitation of roads linking the communities and neighbouring settlements. They noted that improved road networks would ease transportation, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce and other goods, and enable residents to access healthcare, education and commercial centres more conveniently.
They also called for the establishment of hospitals and other functional healthcare facilities to reduce the difficulties residents face in obtaining medical attention. According to them, access to healthcare is essential to community recovery and the protection of vulnerable groups, particularly children, pregnant women and older residents.
On education, the communities urged the government to provide and rehabilitate schools to create better learning environments for children and young people. They stressed that access to quality education would help prevent the consequences of the conflict from undermining the prospects of future generations.
The provision of potable water was also identified as a priority, with the representatives calling for functional water facilities to improve sanitation, protect public health and reduce the difficulties associated with accessing safe water.
They further requested the establishment of markets to support farmers, fishermen, traders and other small business owners whose economic activities had been affected by the crisis. They explained that functional markets would encourage local commerce, create employment opportunities and help households rebuild their sources of income.
On security, the communities called for the establishment of a police station at a suitable location near their boundary to strengthen security, improve responses to emergencies and prevent disagreements from escalating into renewed violence.
They maintained that improved security arrangements, combined with cooperation between residents and law enforcement agencies, would help protect lives and property and reinforce confidence in the peace agreement.
Beyond these facilities, the representatives called for other essential public amenities and development projects to be identified through consultations with residents to ensure that interventions reflect the actual needs of the communities.
They also appealed for a comprehensive assessment of homes, public infrastructure and other properties damaged during the conflict, noting that such an exercise would provide a reliable basis for determining rehabilitation priorities and directing resources to areas of greatest need.
The communities urged the state government, relevant agencies, humanitarian organisations and development partners to assist affected families in rebuilding their homes and restoring their livelihoods.
They further called for support to facilitate the safe and voluntary return of displaced residents where conditions permit, stressing that reconciliation should translate into improved living conditions and renewed economic opportunities for those who suffered most during the crisis.
Farmers, fishermen, artisans and traders were identified as priority beneficiaries of livelihood recovery initiatives because of their contributions to household welfare and the local economy.
The representatives proposed skills acquisition programmes, vocational training, small business support and employment opportunities to help residents regain financial independence and participate actively in community development.
They also emphasised the importance of empowering young people, noting that productive opportunities would enable them to contribute positively to their communities and support efforts to maintain peace.
The communities called on the Akwa Ibom State Government to formally acknowledge the peace agreement reached on 10 December 2025 and engage representatives of both sides in developing a practical framework for its implementation.
They proposed the constitution of an assessment team to document the damage caused by the conflict, identify urgent humanitarian needs and recommend appropriate rehabilitation and development measures.
According to the representatives, a coordinated recovery plan would help establish clear priorities, encourage accountability and ensure that interventions produce measurable benefits for residents.
They also urged corporate organisations, philanthropists and other well-meaning individuals to support efforts aimed at rebuilding the affected communities and improving access to essential services.
While appealing for external assistance, the communities reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the peace achieved through the reconciliation process. They pledged to resolve future disagreements through dialogue and lawful procedures rather than violence.
Indigenes, including Mr Hezekiah Amos Millar and Mr Alexander Ikoile of Amazaba, Pastor Goodnews Akpan Moses, Youth President of Ikot Akpanudo, and Aniekebo Sylvanus, acknowledged the progress made since the peace agreement was reached.
They described the reconciliation as an opportunity to restore mutual trust, strengthen relationships and pursue shared development interests.
The representatives urged sons and daughters of both communities, including those living outside the area and in the diaspora, to support the peace process and avoid actions capable of creating fresh divisions.
They also pledged to respect the lives, property, dignity and lawful rights of residents on both sides while rejecting intimidation, provocation, retaliation and other actions that could threaten the existing agreement.
To strengthen the reconciliation process, they proposed the establishment or reinforcement of a Joint Peace and Reconciliation Committee to monitor compliance with the agreement, facilitate communication and address emerging disagreements before they escalate.
They further advocated regular engagement involving traditional rulers, youth organisations, women’s groups, religious leaders, community representatives and relevant security agencies to sustain dialogue and promote collective responsibility.
The communities cautioned against the circulation of rumours, misinformation and inflammatory statements, stressing that responsible communication would help preserve the progress achieved.
They also appealed to the media to report developments responsibly and support public understanding of the reconciliation process without publishing material capable of aggravating tensions.
The end of the 18-year conflict presents an opportunity for Amazaba and Ikot Akpanudo to address the social and economic challenges that have affected their residents and build a stronger foundation for future development.
However, sustaining the peace will require continued dialogue, respect for the agreement and concrete interventions that respond to the needs of affected families.
The construction of roads, provision of healthcare facilities, rehabilitation of schools, access to potable water, establishment of markets and improvement of security would help create an environment in which residents can rebuild their lives and pursue economic opportunities.
Similarly, assistance for displaced households, livelihood support and youth empowerment programmes would help address the effects of the crisis and reduce the economic difficulties confronting families.
The communities stressed that the benefits of reconciliation should be reflected in improved public services, restored livelihoods, stronger social relationships and greater opportunities for residents to participate in economic activities.
For the people of Amazaba and Ikot Akpanudo, the end of hostilities represents an opportunity to move beyond years of uncertainty and work towards a future in which families can live safely, children can access education, businesses can thrive and communities can develop through cooperation.
The joint declaration of 15 October 2026 has therefore established a foundation for a new beginning. The next step is to translate the commitment to peace into practical development outcomes through sustained cooperation between the communities and meaningful intervention by the relevant authorities.