The Amazaba and Ikot Akpan Udo communities in Akwa Ibom State have called for urgent government intervention to restore livelihoods and rebuild affected areas following the end of an 18-year communal conflict.
The communities made the appeal in a joint statement at a press conference on Thursday, October 15, 2026, announcing their renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence after reaching a reconciliation agreement on December 10, 2025.
The peace declaration marks a significant step towards ending years of hostility between the neighbouring communities in Eastern Obolo and Ikot Abasi Local Government Areas, respectively, which had suffered displacement, loss of lives and disruption of economic and social activities.
The communities, however, said the declaration must be followed by practical measures to help residents recover from the consequences of the prolonged crisis.
They called on the Akwa Ibom State Government, relevant agencies and international oil companies operating in the area to support rehabilitation, humanitarian assistance and economic recovery initiatives.
According to them, fishermen, farmers, traders, artisans and other residents whose livelihoods were disrupted by the conflict need support to resume their activities and rebuild their means of survival.
They also urged the authorities to assess the condition of affected communities and restore essential infrastructure, including roads, water facilities, schools and health centres, where necessary.
The communities identified youth empowerment, sustained peacebuilding and humanitarian support as important measures to prevent a relapse into violence and secure the future of residents.
They attributed the reconciliation process largely to youth-led efforts, stressing that the agreement should create an opportunity for both communities to rebuild relationships and resolve outstanding
disagreements through dialogue and lawful channels.
As part of efforts to sustain the peace, the communities announced a commitment to establish a joint peace and reconciliation committee to promote dialogue, address emerging disputes and strengthen cooperation between the two sides.
The conflict, which dates back to 2008, reportedly stemmed from a land and boundary dispute. Despite earlier peace initiatives and government interventions, tensions persisted over the years, with renewed violence reported in 2022 and 2023.
The latest declaration is therefore expected to provide a fresh basis for peaceful relations, although the communities’ appeal highlights the need to address the humanitarian and economic consequences of the crisis.
They pledged to reject violence and pursue peaceful solutions to future disagreements, urging residents to protect the reconciliation process and work towards a shared future.
The communities said lasting peace would depend not only on ending hostilities but also on creating conditions that allow displaced or affected residents to rebuild their lives and restore normal economic and social activities.
