By Okoi Obono-Obla
The Yakurr tradition holds that their ancestors migrated from Akpa in the 15th century to their present location. Oral accounts state that during this migration, they lived together with Ikom, Ofutop, Olulumo (Okuni), Nsonfang (Etung), Ojor, and Akamkpa. The map shared by Ellie Yari, the Ogbia historian from Bayelsa State, further highlights other Akpa‑related communities such as Nde, Akparabong, and Ekpokpa, illustrating the breadth of Akpa settlement in the region.
Ellie Yari confirmed this Yakurr tradition during an exchange, explaining:
“Akam is also an Ogbia name. In the same region of Cameroon where you find Emini, you will also find Akam‑Engali. There’s a king in the history of the Ofutop and Bakor people of Ikom named Attah Akam Nku, who led many Akpa people from Cameroon to Nigeria. It is from Akam that you get Akamkpa. There is a town called Akam, very close to Ikom. There is another town called Okuni, close to Akam. They are Akpa too. The towns on the map are all Akpa.”
He further emphasized that the famous Ikom Monoliths in Cross River State stand as enduring evidence of Akpa civilisation. Additionally, he shared an old photograph of an Ogbia chief holding a wood carving inscribed with Nsibidi symbols, underscoring the deep cultural connections between these peoples.
Before the Migration
Prior to their movement into present‑day Nigeria, the Yakurr and related Akpa groups were settled in regions of Cameroon. These communities thrived in close proximity, sharing linguistic, cultural, and spiritual traditions. The Akpa civilisation, marked by artistry, inscriptions, and monumental stone carvings, provided the foundation for the Yakurr identity. The migration was not merely a relocation but a continuation of cultural heritage, carrying forward practices such as Nsibidi writing and communal kingship structures.
Legacy and Continuity
The Yakurr migration was not simply a relocation but a continuation of Akpa civilisation. Practices such as Nsibidi writing, communal kingship, and artistic traditions were carried into their new settlements. Today, the Yakurr and related groups remain custodians of this heritage, linking Nigeria and Cameroon through shared history.
Conclusion-
The Yakurr migration narrative, supported by oral traditions, Ogbia historical accounts, and archaeological evidence, highlights the enduring legacy of the Akpa civilisation. From their early settlement in Cameroon, through the leadership of Attah Akam Nku, to their establishment in Cross River alongside Ikom, Ofutop, Okuni, Nsonfang, Ojor, Akamkpa, Nde, Akparabong, and Ekpokpa, the Yakurr story reflects a rich cultural continuum that shaped identities across borders.
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