Council warns peace in Nigeria’s Akwa Ibom State remains fragile — Premium Times Nigeria

The Akwa Ibom State Conflict Prevention Council in Nigeria stated that peace in the state is relatively stable but remains fragile. According to the council’s assessment, risks to peaceful coexistence are posed by land and boundary disputes, conflicts surrounding traditional titles, as well as tensions involving young people.

The assessment was set out in a communiqué dated September 21 and issued in the city of Uyo ahead of the 2026 International Day of Peace. As Premium Times Nigeria reports, the council had earlier held a special meeting on the state of peace in Akwa Ibom and the Niger Delta region.

Conflict prevention

The council stressed that relative stability does not mean the absence of threats. It called for peacebuilding to be viewed as a continuous investment rather than a measure resorted to only after an outbreak of violence.

According to the communiqué, signed by peacebuilding consultant Kufre Essien, the council used early-warning and early-response mechanisms that helped prevent the escalation of several intercommunal disputes. The council also noted technical, logistical and training support from the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta, calling the organization the largest and most consistent investor in community peace infrastructure in the Niger Delta.

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Land disputes

The council called on the state authorities to increase funding for peacebuilding and strengthen cooperation with it. It also appealed to private companies, traditional institutions, religious organizations, women’s and youth groups to support such initiatives as part of corporate and social responsibility.

The warning came amid increased attention to land disputes in Akwa Ibom. Earlier, the state authorities intervened in a longstanding dispute in the Nsit-Ibom local government area involving the Mbiak people, six local communities, Ibom Mortgage Bank, Citadel Value Homes and other parties. The state Ministry of Lands and Urban Planning called on participants to engage in dialogue and avoid actions that could threaten peace in the communities.

The council called on Akwa Ibom residents to settle disputes through dialogue, tolerance and nonviolence. It stated that it would continue using its presence in communities and local knowledge to prevent conflicts.