Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Rising tensions over ownership of the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve have triggered fresh security and governance concerns in Akwa Ibom State, as youths from Ekid ethnic nationality defied police warnings to protest alleged land sales and the arrest of activist Princess God’sown Udoito.
The protest, involving youths from Eket, Esit Eket and Onna LGAs, underscores growing friction between host communities, security agencies and the state government over control of environmentally and economically strategic land assets along the state’s coastline.
The protesters under the aegis of the Unified Youths of Ekid Nation, accused the state government of secretly allocating portions of the forest reserve, locally known as Akoiyak Ekid, to private interests without community consultation.
Speaking during the protest, Abom Iboro Imose, who addressed the crowd on behalf of the group, said the dispute has moved beyond land ownership into a broader crisis of governance and trust.
“The persistent arrests, intimidation and harassment of Ekid people raise serious questions about transparency and respect for community rights,” Imose said.
“We are being silenced for demanding accountability over our ancestral land.”
The arrest of Princess God’sown Udoito, whom the youths described as a key voice in the agitation, further heightened tensions.
Protesters alleged that she was arrested without access to legal counsel or family members, describing the process as a violation of constitutional rights.
“Advocacy is not a crime. Speaking for your people does not make you a criminal,” Imose added.
The youths warned that continued disregard for their demands could lead to broader mobilisation across Ekid communities, with potential implications for economic and commercial activities in the area, though they stressed that any action would remain peaceful and non-violent.
“Ekid people are peace-loving, but we will not watch our land taken away under the cover of intimidation,” the group stated.
They demanded the immediate suspension of all transactions relating to the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve and called for inclusive dialogue to resolve ownership claims transparently.
Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command warned against protests or actions capable of disrupting public order, noting that the case involving Princess Udoito was already before the courts.
In a statement signed by Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, the command cautioned individuals and groups against attempting to influence judicial proceedings through protests or threats.
“Any attempt to interfere with the judicial process through unlawful protests or conduct that threatens public peace will be met with appropriate legal action,” the police said.
While reaffirming citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly, the police warned that actions capable of disrupting economic activities, occupying facilities unlawfully or breaching public morality would attract arrest and prosecution.
The command urged aggrieved parties to pursue redress through legal channels and allow the courts to determine the matter.
