By Princess Don, Uyo.
Residents of Ifa Ikot Okpon, a community in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, are reeling from shock and distress after the state Ministry of Lands and Town Planning demolished 182 homes on December 19, 2024.
The destruction left many families homeless just days before Christmas.
Speaking to newsmen yesterday from his palace, the Village Head of Ifa Ikot Okpon, Etteidung Uwem Tom Udo, expressed disbelief and sorrow, revealing that the state government had.
He said that the destruction has left many families displaced and struggling to cope with the loss of their homes and belongings.
According to Udo, there is no record in the Ministry of Lands to support the claim that the land was taken for development.
The demolition, which occurred without prior notice, was carried out by bulldozers accompanied by security forces while some homeowners were at work, leaving many properties, including valuable household items, destroyed.
The village head expressed confusion over the government’s actions, stating that while the government has the right to acquire land for public interest, the community had not been informed of any such acquisition. “As of now, 182 families are left without homes,” Udo said.
He also pointed out that, even if there were documents authorizing the acquisition, property owners should have been notified beforehand.
Udo further criticized the state government for granting portions of the land to other individuals, despite claims that the land was acquired for development.
He challenged the state government to produce any official documents proving that the land was indeed acquired for public use. “We have had multiple meetings with past commissioners for Lands, including the current governor when he was Commissioner for Lands, but no proof of acquisition or compensation has been provided,” Udo said.
One of the victims of the demolition, 75-year-old Anthony Thomas Ekot, shared his heartbreaking experience. Ekot, who had lived in the community for over 30 years, said he lost everything when his home was destroyed. “I didn’t take anything out of the house. All my belongings, including my clothes, furniture, and personal effects, are buried in the rubble,” he explained.
Ekot, who is now struggling to rebuild his life, said he did not know how to move forward after the loss.
Other victims, including Pastor Kokoette Sunday Eda, whose church and home were demolished, and Victor Innocent Ignatius, who was allegedly beaten by security personnel during the demolition, have also voiced their anguish.
Eda, who had lived in his home for four decades, expressed despair over the sudden destruction, especially so close to Christmas. “I don’t know where to go now. My family and I are helpless,” Eda said.
Charles Bassey, a retired employee of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), also lost his home while traveling.
Bassey said he had verified the ownership of the land before purchasing it, and there was no indication that it belonged to the government. “Now, all my savings and investments over the years have been wiped out,” he lamented.
In response to the demolitions, the affected community members have taken legal action against the state government, demanding N600 million in compensation for the destruction of their homes and properties.
The case, filed under suit number HC 1/11/451/0514, seeks a declaration that the land has not been acquired by the government and that the demolitions violated the law.
The community is also requesting damages for the loss of property, farmlands, and the impact on their livelihoods.
The case is scheduled to be heard in court on February 11, 2025, as the residents of Ifa Ikot Okpon seek justice and compensation for the hardship they have endured.
