By Our Correspondent
National News – Tension has escalated between communities in Eastern Obolo and Ikot Abasi Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State over the ownership of land hosting a newly developed seaport facility.
The dispute intensified in late March 2026 after ships reportedly arrived at the port located at Ukpum Ete, a coastal community, sparking celebrations among residents of Ikot Abasi.
However, the development quickly triggered protests and warnings from youths in neighbouring Eastern Obolo who insist the port lies within their territorial boundaries.
The controversy centres on the seaport built within the Liberty Oil and Gas Free Zone, a major industrial project initiated during the administration of former governor Udom Emmanuel.
While Ikot Abasi stakeholders claim the facility sits on land belonging to the Ukpum Ete clan, leaders from Eastern Obolo argue the project is entirely within their local government area and should be recognised as such.
The Obolo Youth Coalition, a socio-political group representing youths from Eastern Obolo, issued a communiqué in Uyo on Wednesday warning against what it described as “false and provocative reports” claiming the seaport is located in Ikot Abasi.
The statement, signed by the coalition’s chairman Timothy Ichen and secretary Uche Sylvanus, accused some media outlets and local actors of misrepresenting the geography of the area.
According to the group, the claim that Ikot Abasi hosts the seaport undermines the heritage and economic rights of the Eastern Obolo people.
The coalition warned that if the alleged misrepresentation continues, the community may take decisive action to defend its territorial claim.
In response, the Ukpum Ete Unity Association, a socio-cultural group from Ikot Abasi, dismissed the allegations as misleading and historically inaccurate.
Its leaders, President Ebenezer Etukakpan and Secretary-General Emmanuel Ekwere, argued that historical records, including a 1945 judgment, affirm that the land now associated with Eastern Obolo historically belongs to the Ukpum Ete clan.
The association further stated that the creation of a separate local government does not transfer ownership of ancestral land or resources.
It urged investors, including the Sterling Petrochemical and Fertilizer processing company operating in the zone, to disregard threats and continue their activities.
Community leaders also called on the Akwa Ibom State Government to intervene swiftly to prevent the dispute from escalating and to preserve peace in the region.
