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The House of Representatives has taken note of the alleged wrongful acquisition of community land by the Nigerian Army in Akwa Ibom State since 1972 without adequate compensation. The matter was brought to the attention of the House through a petition submitted by the Wellington Bassey Barracks Community Development Forum, the land donors for the first military barrack in the state.

The House has urged the Minister of Defense to disclose the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the land, which has been withheld from the community. The petitioners argue that it is their right to know the terms agreed upon on their behalf.

According to the petition, the community is demanding full compensation for the land, taking into account the exchange rate at the time of acquisition and the present rate, as well as accrued royalties dating back to 1977. Additionally, they request the construction of a road to improve transportation in the host communities and the provision of social amenities and infrastructure by the Federal Ministry of Defense as part of their corporate social responsibility.

The petition also calls for the inclusion of community members’ sons and daughters in the Nigerian Army, as well as routine medical treatment for the indigenous people of the host communities.

The community has pleaded with the House of Representatives to intervene in their plight. The Wellington Bassey Barracks community, consisting of Ibagwa, Ikot Afaha, Okon, Itung, and Mbarakom villages, is located in Abak Local Government Area along the Abak/Ikot Abasi Road in Akwa Ibom State.

The petition highlights that the land where the Army Cantonment and Barracks are situated were not virgin or disputed lands, but long-established residential areas that were compulsorily acquired by the Army without adequate compensation to the rightful owners. The petitioners express their disappointment that the promised compensation has not been paid in full after 46 years.

The community refers to a newspaper article published in 1980, which reported a partial payment of ₦2.1 million for compensation and an outstanding balance of ₦2.3 million. Although attempts were made to secure the full payment in 2002, it remained unpaid. The community feels disheartened that the compensation may not be fully settled in their lifetime. They argue that the economic trees, cash crops, houses, fertile land, natural resources, and ancestral shrines that were relinquished for the establishment of the Army Cantonment should entitle the host communities to better treatment, compensation, and a resettlement area.

The petition concludes by emphasizing the community’s commitment to their civic responsibilities and their desire for justice, peace, and development.