By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – Indigenes of Okoyong Community in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State have petitioned security agencies over alleged hijacking of compensation linked to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project.
The petition, dated 5 January 2026, was submitted by the Association of Concerned Indigenes of Okoyong Community and addressed to the Department of State Services (DSS), the Cross River State Police Command, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and security advisers to the state government.
The petitioners raised concerns over what they described as the infiltration of non-indigenous individuals into the official compensation register, intimidation of rightful landowners, and actions capable of triggering a breakdown of law and order in the community.
According to the petition, the federal highway project, executed by Hi-Tech Construction Company, affects 13 villages in Okoyong, 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 community stated that farmlands, economic trees, and ancestral lands belonging to indigenous families were acquired for the project, with compensation intended to mitigate losses. However, the enumeration process was allegedly compromised.
The petition accused unnamed political appointees and associates of being inserted into the compensation list, while hundreds of legitimate landowners were allegedly removed. It cited the case of Emmanuel Essien, a government appointee, who reportedly received compensation in more than one village.
The petition also alleged intimidation and abuse of authority, claiming that a political appointee, Edet Okon Ekpo, threatened a community member, Mrs Blessed Mother Blessing Effiong Ekpo, at the Odukpani Local Government Secretariat while she attempted to collect her compensation. The threat was reportedly made in the presence of council officials.
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Further allegations were made regarding manipulation of beneficiary lists in Esuk Ekom I and II, with claims that the clan head elect, HRH Obon Ita Okon, collaborated with a community liaison officer to replace original landowners with relatives and associates.
The petition also accused Hi-Tech Construction Company of opening an access road outside the approved 100-metre corridor to extract sand from a village river in Esuk Ekom without the consent of the Eyo Ekpo Family, identified as the rightful landowners.
Signatories to the petition warned that continued exclusion of indigenous beneficiaries has heightened tension in Okoyong, describing the situation as an imminent threat to peace and security if left unresolved.
They called on security agencies to conduct an independent audit of the compensation register, remove non-indigenous beneficiaries, restore original landowners, investigate allegations of threats and collusion, and deploy 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 stated that the group remains committed to a peaceful resolution and is prepared to provide documentary evidence and witness statements.
Copies of the petition were forwarded to the Governor of Cross River State, the Minister of Works, the Managing Director of Hi-Tech Construction Company, the Nigerian Union of Journalists, and other media organisations.
