Q.I.C. change of name saga: Church opts for traditional injunction …UEC seeks CAN to intervene

BY OFONIME UDOTU

Contrary to what the Holy Book has instructed, two warring Christian denominations have opted to secure their property first on earth before seeking the kingdom of God. Formerly of one fold, members of Qua Iboe Church of Nigeria and their split away brethren, United Evangelical Church, (UEC) both in Ikot Akpa Nkuk are locking horns in a fierce battle over the ownership of the land donated to Qua Iboe Church at its advent in the area. 

The deepening assumed an incredible dimension recently when the village council in the area put a tradition injunction of palm frond restraining both parties from using the land which forms part of UEC premises, at the back of Ukanafun local government Secretariat.

Sources said that it was when the UEC members cleared the land for cultivation that the QIC members sought the intervention of the village council which restrains both parties of using the land for fear that it might degenerate into a bloody clash. 

This concern is said to have been necessary as a member of UEC, Ekaette Effiong Benson, a song leader in the youth choir was shot while going to the church for a programme on Friday 27, 2015 at about 7:00pm. The incident has heightened suspicion among UEC members even as the have not expressly pointed accusing finger at QIC members. When our reporter visited Ikot Akpa Nkuk recently, the victim was said to be receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

Before the intervention of the Ikot Akpa Nkuk village council, there has been a case in court with suit no.: HUK/19/2014. In their particulars of claims UEC declared that the entire parcel of land hosting United Evangelical Church, Ukanafun Area Conference Headquarters and the women fellowship quarter with the appurtenances, lying and situate at Ikot Akpa Nkuk, Ukanafun L.G.A is the bonafide property of the registered Trustees of United Evangelical Church.

They also seek an injunction restraining the defendants, (QIC members) by themselves, their agents, servants or privies, whosoever, from entering the land or dealing with or seeking, planning or arranging to deal with the said property to the detriments of the claimants (UEC members ); and to desist from harassing, molesting or disturbing the claimants and other worshippers on the land.    

A historical source revealed that the church came to Ikot Akpa Nkuk in about 1919 and the land in dispute was granted to the church sometime in the early 1920s. It was not until 9th February, 1978, according to an agreement written by Barr. Eno Jacob Udo, of Ufon Owo Chambers, 35 Aba road, Ikot Ekpene that the land was “granted” by Chief Isaac Job (Akpanuko), Chief Frank Akpan Essien of Ikot Akpa Nkuk and Elder Marcus Akpan Idiong. The agreement described them as “The Grantors” 

When the change of name infection caught the church founded by Rev. Samuel Bill in 1887, and some members opted for the united Evangelical Church the battle for the “granted” property came up. The paper gathered that during planting last year, there was “free for all fight” between members of the two warring churches. 

A successor to one of the grantors and Elder of Qua Iboe Church, Ikot Akpa Nkuk, Dr. Uwem Isaac Akpanuko also spoke with our reporter said that his father, Chief Isaac Job Akpanuko and others granted the land to Qua Iboe Church, and not to their breakaway brothers in the united Evangelical Church. He advised them to acquire a land and build their church as they are different from Qua Iboe Church to which the land was granted.

Contacted, the chairman of Ukanafun Area conference of the United Evangelical Church, Rev. Samuel M. Udo expressed worry over the unfortunate situation between the two congregations and appealed to the Christians Association of Nigeria, CAN to intervene in the escalating crisis to avoid unforeseen circumstances.