The people of Odoro-Ikot in Mkpat Enin, host community of the St. Gabriel Coconut Refinery, have drawn a battle line with the Akwa Ibom State Government for refusing to consult with owners of the land.
According to them, the piece of land which was their only source of livelihood was taken from them without proper consultation and compensation.
Addressing journalists in his Palace, the Village Head of Ikot Inyang Okop, Eteidung Okon Marcus, lamented that the State Government has not consulted the owners of the land, let alone paid compensation to them to cushion the effects of the seizure of the land which was their only source of economic life.
Also speaking, a community leader, Chief Macaulay Akpan, maintained that the community has been robbed of their natural asset by the State Government without compensation, according to him, youth and other members of the community will soon demonstrate to the Federal Government if the Akwa Ibom State Government fails to visit the matter immediately.
Again, another community leader, Chief Afia Nkanga, said the Cocoanut Refinery is sitting on a keg of gun powder that may explode if the State Government remains adamant to their predicament.
They called on the State Police Command, the DSS and all law enforcement agencies to come to their aid before the situation gets out of control.
It a pity