Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State.
By Anietie Akpan
Lagos–Calabar Highway Compensation money is putting residents of over 13 villages of Okoyong community in Odukpani Local Government Area (LGA) of Cross River State at daggers drawn.
Consequently they have petitioned security agencies in the state to intervene to check the bitter feud before it escalates.
Coming under the “Association of Concerned Indigenes of Okoyong Community”, the villages on January 5, petitioned the State Security Service (SSS), the Cross River State Police Command, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other relevant authorities to review the compensation exercise, which is generating so much bad blood among them.
Copies of the petition were also sent to the State Government, the Federal Ministry of Works, Hi-Tech Construction Company and relevant stakeholders.
Besides, the villages raised concerns over alleged alterations to beneficiary lists in parts of the community and activities linked to sand extraction along local waterways, which the association said should be properly reviewed by relevant authorities to ensure compliance with approved guidelines and respect for local land rights.
The petition which was signed by the President of the association, Christ Ambassador Effiong Ekpo Ekpo, stated that the highway project, being executed by Hi-Tech Construction Company, cuts across 13 villages in Okoyong, including Obot Ekpo, Kaifa, Oboroko, Esuk Ekom I and II, among others, leading to the acquisition of farmlands, economic trees and ancestral lands.
They alleged that the compensation process was compromised, as “some rightful landowners were omitted, while persons without recognised land ownership ties to the affected areas were included”.
The group said these developments has created “dissatisfaction and uncertainty within the community”..
The petition also drew attention to reported incidents of intimidation and undue pressure on some community members during the compensation process, urging security agencies “to investigate such claims to ensure the safety of residents and the integrity of the exercise”.
The association warned that “unresolved grievances could heighten tension in the area”, stressing the need for “prompt intervention to maintain peace and public confidence”.
Committed to a peaceful resolution, the group said it is prepared to cooperate with authorities by providing information were necessary, hence called for an independent review of the compensation register, clarification of beneficiary selection, and transparent engagement with affected landowners.
