Two persons have reportedly died while others missing in a renewed boundary clash between the people of Oku Iboku in Itu local council of Akwa Ibom State and those of Ikot Offiong in Cross Rivers State on Tuesday.
The two communities have been embroiled in a protracted war over boundary ownership tussle were many have lost their lives and others displaced.
The Lawmaker representing Itu State Constituency at the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon Kufre Abasi Edidem who brought the matter before the House on Wednesday’s plenary as a motion of urgent public importance lamented that the continued assaults have become a threat to lives, livelihoods, and the food supply chain in the affected communities.
Edidem, the Deputy Speaker warned that if the security situation in Oku Iboku is not urgently addressed, it may degenerate further, leading to more loss of lives and property, as well as a shortage of essential food commodities which the community supplies to the state.
The lawmakers, in their contributions to the deliberations on the motion, expressed concerns about the unfortunate incident and stressed the urgency of government intervention in ensuring an intensified gunboat patrols along the Oku Iboku waterways.
The House also stressed the need to establish a naval or marine base in the troubled riverine community.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House, Hon. Udeme Otong has directed the Clerk of the House to communicate the resolutions of the House to Governor Umo Eno and other relevant authorities for the needed actions.
