By Lawrence Mpama
The recent arson attack, killing and destruction of properties in Iko Esai community of Akamkpa local government area of Cross River State, can clearly be traced to the struggle for the control of the rich natural resources in the area between the two factions of the youths, each controlled by Chief Owai Obio Arong and Chief Elijah Okom Esira.
The initial narrative given by an appointee of the chairman from the community, Mr Patrick Aiden, that the Carnage was as a result of the dethroned Clan Head, Chief Owai Obio Arong aided by the Chairman, Hon Felix Akposi is not correct.
Mr Aidem, a special Assistant on security to the Deputy Leader, Akamkpa Legislature, on a courtesy visit to the Chairman of NUJ, Cross River State Council, Comrade Archibong Bassey, had alleged before journalists on ground that, the whole crisis stem from the fact that the Council Chairman, Hon Felix Akposi, wanted his relation interested in the Paramount ruler’s position to take over from HRM Owai Arong, as Clan Head. To this, he the Chairman instigated the dissolution of the youth Council and brought his stooge to do his dirty job, which infuriated the other factional youths leader in the community’s to take up arms against each other.
It will be recalled that on the 9th and 10th of February, 2025, Iko Esai community was up in flames, lives were lost, properties worth millions of naira were destroyed by rival youths groups due to disagreement on who the investors should do business with in Iko Esai forest. Two warring youths factions aided and supported by two chiefs of the community, Chief Owai Obio Arong and Chief Elijah Okom Esira. The disagreement led to the killing of one youth belonging to one faction, that fuelled the all out war in the area.
Mr Aidem went further states that Iko Esai is in ruins today, courtesy of the divisive politics of the Chairman, Hon Felix Akposi.
But, according to the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of Akamkpa local government area, Daniel Agbor, he asserted that as good as the narrative may sound, he dismissed the poorly crafted political stunt designed to malign the office of the Chief security officer of the local government area, who is the Chairman.
The CPS dismissed the allegations that the Chairman was involved in attempts to dethrone the Clan Head of Iko Esai, insisting that chieftaincy matters were guided by due process and did not fall under his direct jurisdiction. He stated that Aidam’s claims were “intellectual dishonesty” and an attempt to manipulate public sentiment.
He also lamented the deep-seated divisions within Iko Esai youths, owing to the huge forest deposits in the community, stating that the community’s inability to resolve internal disputes of who controls the forest resources had exacerbated tensions. “The Iko Esai people have demonstrated mistrust, vindictiveness against one another, inconsistencies in their testimonies, incoherency, and blatant lies, all fuelled by personal interests. These issues predate the administration of the current Chairman.”
The Council Chairman while addressing journalists stated that, In an effort to find a lasting solution, he had recommended that the Cross River State House of Assembly (CRSHA) set up a panel of inquiry to investigate the crisis and propose developmental solutions. The assembly had since adopted the recommendation, with a hearing scheduled for next Thursday.
The Chairman therefore urges all factions to present their grievances before the legislative committee rather than resort to misinformation and public theatrics.He reassured the people of Iko Esai that security agencies remained on high alert to prevent further violence.
Hon Akposi also called on all stakeholders to embrace peace, truth, and reconciliation instead of escalating tensions. “The time for factionalism, political grandstanding, and ego-driven vendettas is over. He advisedPatrick Aidam that if truly he believes his life is in danger, the proper course of action is to report to security agencies, not sitting behind and engaging in public theatrics.
The Chairman stated his administration’s resolve and commitment to the security, development, and unity of Akamkpa Local Government, vowing not to be distracted by baseless accusations of a frustrated person looking for sympathy.
