A struggle for control over logging revenues has created a division within the Iko Esai community in Akamkpa Local Government Area, Cross River, resulting in two opposing factions....Read Full Article >>➤
Iko Esai, a community that contains a significant portion of Cross River State’s rainforest, has deteriorated since the fatal shooting of young Christian Abakum Ijenga and the destruction of properties, including those belonging to Chief Obio Arong Owai.
The violence has led to the loss of lives and significant property damage valued in the millions, stemming from tensions that began in 2022 and escalated again on February 9, 2025. Tensions surged dramatically after the offending incident involving 30-year-old Christian Abakun, who was shot by fellow villager Sunday David with a homemade gun. This act not only claimed Abakun’s life but also injured two additional villagers.
The violence has severely impacted the community negatively, with accusations pointing towards the executive chairman of Akamkpa, Hon Felix Akposi, regarding his involvement.
However, investigations by Tribune Online indicate that this ongoing crisis within the community predates Akposi’s tenure, which began on November 4, 2024.
In response, the Police in Cross River State have arrested three individuals (names with held) linked to the ongoing chieftaincy crisis in Iko Esai.
The suspects are facing serious charges, including murder, arson, malicious damage, and conspiracy.
The case and suspects have been forwarded to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Calabar for further examination.
Hon Okon Owuna, the representative for Akamkpa One in the Cross River House of Assembly, informed journalists that the intra-community conflict started about five years ago when a faction of the Village Council sold community forest land to outside investors, disregarding the interests of other factions.
He mentioned that the matter has reached the Akamkpa High Court, where he has facilitated alternative peace talks, resulting in a peace agreement between both parties.
He attributed one main cause of the recurring conflict to an investor’s payment of royalties for the lko Ekperim forest to the aggrieved faction, which incited hateful rhetoric and violent clashes between factions, culminating in the tragic death of a youth.
Owuna said he held multiple meetings aimed at establishing peace and underscored the need for the state government to enhance security measures, declare a state of emergency, and impose a curfew in the area.
He also urged the government to prohibit logging by non-indigenous investors and to form a panel to investigate the underlying reasons for the community strife while suspending youth activities until the situation is resolved.
In response to accusations of involvement in the crisis, Daniel Agbor, Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Area, issued a statement refuting the claims that Akamkpa LG Chairman, Hon Felix Akposi played a role in the Clan Head’s removal.
Agbor noted, “Instead of receiving recognition for his efforts to uphold peace, the Chairman is being unfairly targeted by individuals who benefit from chaos and unrest.”
He emphasised that chieftaincy issues are regulated by both statutory and traditional laws, and clarified that the Local Government Council has never intervened in these matters.
Meanwhile, Comrade Patrick Aidam, the Personal Assistant to the Deputy Leader of Akamkpa Local Government, has resigned, citing threats to his life and that of his family, as well as dissatisfaction with his experiences under the Local Government chairman.
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