A major ethnic nationality in Akwa Ibom State, Ekid Development Union (EDU) has urged Governor Umo Eno to compel Ibeno Local Government, the State Ministry of Lands and security agencies to obey his March 1st, 2024 order forbidding any further development on its land at Odoro Okuku within Akoiyak, better known as Stubbs Creek Forest.

The community lamented that the forest, which had remained a biodiversity sanctuary for decades, is being aggressively invaded by Ibeno LGA with the active support of security agents to erect a health centre and other illegal structures without the consent of the land owners.

According to the union, further attempts to build a health facility on Ekid land for Ibeno by the State Government or any person portrays nothing but persecution and conspiracy against the Ekid people and their interests.

In a statement, jointly signed by EDU President-General Dr. Samuel Udonsak and Secretary-General, Barr. Bassey Dan-Abia, the union noted that the invasion of the land by Ibeno LGA for any purpose amounts to grave provocation and violation of the fundamental rights of the Ekid people.

EDU noted that the invasion breached the Forest Reserve Ordinance of 1948, Forest Reserve Regulations, and the directive of the Akwa Ibom State governor’s order on March 1, 2024, forbidding further development on the Stubbs creeks.

“We deem this act as the ultimate incitement and provocation of the Ekid people to action. For, we have every right to defend ourselves, our interests, and our territory,” they said.