Renewed Boundary Dispute Sparks Tension Between Abia and Akwa Ibom Communities

By: Zagazola Makama

Tensions have flared once again in the lingering boundary dispute between Akirika Community in Abia State and a neighboring community in Akwa Ibom State, despite recent peace efforts by the state governments.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that at about 9:00 a.m. on March 21, 2025, youths from the Akwa Ibom community attacked Akirika Community, escalating the long-standing conflict.

This comes just days after the Deputy Governors of Abia and Akwa Ibom States jointly visited the area on March 17, 2025, where they assured both parties that a peaceful resolution was being worked out. At the time, stakeholders and youth leaders from both sides pledged to embrace peace.

However, the next day, youths from Akwa Ibom reportedly invaded Akirika Community, leading to fresh hostilities.

In response, a Police Team led by Akwete Area Commander stormed the scene, where he addressed local stakeholders and youths, urging them to avoid reprisal attacks as the two state governments were actively working towards a lasting resolution.