The story of the continuous unrest in Ekpan is very complex, but one thing is clear and that is the bottom-line, which is political, and the struggle for the control of community affairs which places one at an advantage position to negotiate with the numerous companies operating there. There is also the issue of rapid urbanization which has led to change of occupation for youths and elders, with both now depending mainly on oil service companies operating in the community
Sadly, most of the key players, due to greed and selfishness have failed to learn from past experiences, and allowing history to repeat itself, over and over again. One set of leaders ruthlessly take over power in collaboration with the government of the day cum security agencies. When a new government comes in, another set of leaders, able to gain political favour use the machinery of government to dislodge the existing leadership. At the end of the day, the people bear the brunt of the maiming and killing thus generated. Houses are burnt and several people go into temporary exile, waiting for yet another opportunity to unleash mayhem on the people.
Ekpan is now a shadow of itself, as many people have left the community while economic activity reduced to the disadvantage of the indigenes. The funny thing about this saga is that almost all the key players are family members and have been friends at some time or other. The current struggle is due to the challenges and difficulties in sharing resources equitable among themselves, which is driven mainly by greed and lack of humility, as well as blind narrow views about life and the consequences of their actions. The lack of the spirit of give and take is shocking and difficult to understand in view of the fact that no condition is permanent. Why must brothers, friends fight to finish?
Nigerians are really surprised that despite all the atrocities committed in this part of the country, nobody has been jailed for murder, arson or assault – a clear indication that history will repeat itself again and again except the government of the day has the political will to be neutral, end the unfortunate commotion, and save the people from continuous tension, once and for all.
Perhaps, there is need for a truth and reconciliation commission for all the key players to be brought together and the issues at stake resolved like brothers as they are, otherwise, if experiences are anything to go by, politics of 2019 maybe worse as things have continue to deteriorate over the years during and after each elections
These are the views of some of the key players, who used pen names to write their views on why peace has eluded Ekpan community. This part of the story has been deleted due to complaints of some actors that there were a lot of distortions. It will be updated as soon as we receive their side of the story
