Indigenes of Okoyong Community in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State have petitioned security agencies over alleged irregularities in the compensation process for the ongoing Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway Project NEGROIDHAVEN has garnered.
The petition, dated December 17, 2025, was submitted to the State Security Service (SSS), the Cross River State Police Command, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the State Security Adviser, the State Security Adviser (South), and the State Coordinator of Partners for Peace in the Niger Delta (P4P).
The petitioners, under the platform of the Association of Concerned Indigenes of Okoyong Community, raised concerns over what they described as the infiltration of “stranger elements” into the compensation register meant for indigenous landowners affected by the highway project.
According to the petition, the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, being executed by Hi-Tech Construction Company, affects farmlands, economic trees, and ancestral lands across thirteen Okoyong villages, including Obot Ekpo, Ekemkpon, Atan Akani Obio, Atan Okoyong, Ekong Atan Oku, Kaifa, Nduoduo, Nkita, Usung Nkita, Oboroko, Esuk Ekom I, Esuk Ekom II, and Ubambat/Inua Akpa Okoyong.
The petitioners alleged that several indigenous landowners whose families have occupied the affected lands for generations were excluded from the compensation register, while non-indigenes were allegedly inserted as beneficiaries. They further claimed that some political appointees and associates benefitted from the process.
In the petition, the association also raised concerns about alleged threats and intimidation directed at some indigenous landowners during attempts to access compensation, warning that such actions could heighten tension within the community.
The petitioners further alleged that there were instances of manipulation of beneficiary lists in parts of the affected communities, as well as claims of unauthorized activities linked to construction operations outside the approved project corridor.
Citing rising frustration among community members, the association warned that the situation, if not urgently addressed, could pose a threat to peace and security in the area.
As part of their demands, the petitioners called for an independent audit of the compensation register, the removal of alleged non-indigenous beneficiaries, restoration of the names of original landowners, investigation into reported threats and intimidation, and the deployment of neutral security oversight to prevent escalation.
The petition was signed by Christ Ambassador Effiong Ekpo Ekpo, President of the Association of Concerned Indigenes of Okoyong Community, who also holds positions as Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Lands Committee of the Eyo Ekpo Family.
Copies of the petition were also forwarded to the Governor of Cross River State, the Minister of Works, the Managing Director of Hi-Tech Construction Company, and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).
As of press time, no official response had been issued by the security agencies or other parties mentioned in the petition.
