Uyo Community Cries Foul Over Demolition, Demands Compensation for Destroyed Homes
The Christmas season of 2024 was marked by sorrow and hardship for the people of Ifa Ikot Okpon in Uyo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, as hundreds were rendered homeless due to the demolition of over 100 homes by the state government. A total of 182 individuals and 52 families were affected in this controversial exercise, with many more buildings marked for future demolitions.
In an exclusive visit to the community, . Residents were left in despair, with those still facing demolition living in constant fear of further loss. Kokoete Sunday Edah, a pastor at the Living Faith Church, shared his painful experience, explaining how his home and church were demolished without prior warning or compensation. He had lived in the area for over 20 years, after purchasing the land from a local inhabitant.
Edah recounted how, in October 2024, he was informed by government officials that his property was under threat of being taken over by the state. He was assured that compensation would be provided, and he would be given ample time to evacuate. However, on December 19, 2024, he returned home to find his house being torn down, with his family inside. “I was mad at the response. The situation was so sad. My belongings, including certificates, clothes, and personal items, were lost,” Edah said, his voice filled with frustration and grief.
Other victims of the demolition, including retired journalist Charles Bassey, echoed similar stories of lost homes and shattered dreams. Bassey, who had used his life savings to build his house, was devastated when he learned that his property was being demolished to make way for a judges’ estate. Despite his inquiries, he found no clear explanation, as the land in question was not marked as government-acquired in the official Uyo master plan.
Meanwhile, elderly residents like 75-year-old Anthony Thomas Ekot, who had lived in the community for over 30 years, are struggling with the thought of rebuilding their homes at their advanced age. “How will I raise money to build again?” Ekot asked tearfully, questioning the fairness of the situation.
