In a landmark move that signals a new era of peace and cooperation, Esit Urua community in Eket Local Government Area and Ibeno communities in Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), formally committing to permanent peace, mutual respect and sustainable development.

The pact, signed on Thursday, February 5th, 2026 by 14 stakeholders from Ibeno and 20 leaders from Esit Urua, is the culmination of a joint communiqué issued by both parties on December 6, 2025.

It represents a collective decision to permanently end years of hostility that claimed lives, destroyed property and disrupted economic activities in the two neighbouring areas.

Speaking during the signing ceremony in Ibeno, Barrister Isong Ukot, the chairman of the peace committee who represented Ibeno, and Bishop John Okpot, who spoke for Esit Urua, described the two communities as “brothers and friends” now united by a common desire for peace, development and progress.

They said the new peace accord will foster socio-economic growth, attract investment and create fresh opportunities for youths and businesses across the two local government areas and the state at large.

The agreement provides for the immediate and total cessation of hostilities, as both parties pledged to end all forms of violence, threats, provocative statements, harassment or intimidation, whether verbal, written or sponsored.

It also states that any act capable of reigniting conflict will be jointly rejected and condemned, while peace breakers from either side will be exposed and cautioned through mutually accepted channels.

In their remarks, Bishop Okpot and Barrister Ukot reaffirmed each community’s right to peaceful coexistence without marginalization, fear or intimidation.

The MoU further guarantees freedom of movement, allowing residents of both communities to pass freely through each other’s territories for trade, business, social interactions and family visits without harassment.

As a key security measure, both sides declared that their territories would never again be used as staging grounds for conflict, invasion or harassment against the other.

Recognising the destructive role of rumours and incitement in past crises, the agreement commits both communities to jointly reject misinformation, sabotage and inflammatory narratives.

They also pledged to promptly and publicly correct false information and discourage individuals or groups attempting to undermine the peace process.

Beyond peace, the pact outlines a shared vision for development and economic growth.

Both communities resolved to collaborate on projects, security, youth engagement, trade and other socio-economic ventures that will benefit residents and the wider Akwa Ibom State.

To ensure full compliance, the MoU establishes a Joint Peace Implementation and Monitoring Committee.

The body will meet regularly to monitor the agreement, address complaints, de-escalate tensions and report to the traditional authorities of both communities.

It will also serve as the first point of intervention in any dispute or misunderstanding. The agreement further seeks the support of relevant state and local government authorities as neutral guarantors of peace and recognises the critical role of traditional rulers, elders and community leaders as custodians of harmony.

On sensitive land and boundary issues, both parties agreed to maintain the status quo and avoid unilateral actions, pending lawful and mutually accepted resolutions through legal, traditional or government-recognised channels.

While the MoU is permanent in its primary objective of lasting peace, it will be reviewed after two years and periodically thereafter to reflect emerging realities and strengthen cooperation.

Community stakeholders at the meeting hailed the pact as a major turning point that will restore confidence, revive economic activities and usher in a new era of unity.

“This agreement is not just a document; it is our collective promise to choose peace over conflict and progress over destruction,” one of the leaders declared.

With the signing of the historic accord, Esit Urua and Ibeno have opened a new chapter built on dialogue, cooperation and shared prosperity—reinforcing Governor Umo Eno’s calls for calm and peaceful coexistence in and around Ibeno, Ekid and the wider Akwa Ibom State.