Odukpani, Cross River –Serious tension is building in the Okoyong axis of Odukpani Local Government Area following allegations that non-indigenes, described as “stranger elements”, have infiltrated and hijacked the official compensation list for the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway Project NEGROIDHAVEN has garnered.
In an exclusive interview with NEGROIDHAVEN, Christ Ambassador Effiong Ekpo Ekpo, President and Founder of the Association of Concerned Indigenes of Okoyong Community, warned that the development poses a major threat to peace and stability in the area.
Speaking partly in Efik and English, Ekpo, who doubles as the Vice Chairman of Eyo Ekpo Family, and Chairman, Lands Committee of the family, said the community is alarmed that individuals with no ancestral ties to the 13 Okoyong villages affected by the project have been inserted into the compensation register, displacing genuine landowners whose farmlands and economic trees fall within the 65km project corridor.
“Stranger elements are taking over the compensation meant for original owners. They are receiving millions, while our people, whose ancestors settled in this land, are completely sidelined,” he said.
Ekpo disclosed that although he appears as Beneficiary No. 1768 captured at Nkita village, “hundreds of legitimate landowners” have been removed and replaced with outsiders allegedly backed by compromised traditional rulers, political appointees, and influential individuals.
He warned that unless the situation is addressed promptly, the tension could escalate into a full-blown crisis.
“This is a ticking time bomb. If government does not intervene now, the real owners will react, and the consequences will not be good for anyone,” he cautioned.
The Association says it is preparing to petition the Commissioner of Police, the DSS, and the State Security Adviser, accusing some external interests of using security operatives as well as gangsters to intimidate vulnerable community members and farmers.
Ekpo accused certain government appointees of “capturing community rights” and colluding with outsiders to exploit the multi-billion-naira federal project, alleging that a stranger element and government appointee captured at Kaifa, Esuk Ekom, and other adjoining communities in Okoyong, who are all affected, received up to ₦7 million each, despite having no historical claims to the land.
He also noted that the community leadership has repeatedly requested for transparency from Hi-Tech Construction company and state officials but “has been ignored.”
Further findings by our correspondent suggests that the construction company recently cleared a new road outside the corridor of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in order to access the village river’s sand at Esuk Ekom without the consent of the Eyo Ekpo Family, the owner of the community.
The Association is therefore calling for:
* An urgent audit of the compensation list
* Removal of all “stranger elements”
* Immediate recognition of original landowners
* Government-mediated dialogue to avert a potential conflict
Meanwhile, there are ongoing efforts to reach relevant authorities.
This is a developing story.
