Ariam/Usaka is one of the major ancestral communities located within the Ikwuano Local Government Area in Abia State, southeastern Nigeria. This clan is a member of the larger Isuogu kin group. Within Ariam/Usaka are three main subdivisions: Ariam, Ekpiri, and Usaka. Geographically, the clan shares boundaries with Ibere and Oboro to the north, Oloko to the west, and several Ibibio-speaking areas of Akwa Ibom State to the south and east. Scholars Forde and Jones placed the Isuogu group—comprising Ariam/Usaka and Oloko—within the Ohuhu-Ngwa cluster of Southern Igbo communities.
##Ancestral Background
The people of Ariam trace their lineage to Ugwuala in Abam, while the Usaka subgroup originated from Ora Obara, also in Abam. The earliest known inhabitant of Ekpiri was a man named Onyeike Ukwumbe, who hailed from Ubaha in Nsulu Ngwa (also known as Umu Osaji) within the former Aba Province. Upon arrival, the settlers displaced the indigenous Annang population and initially settled in what is now known as Ariam Ala-Ala. Due to land scarcity, the community turned to expansion through warfare, eventually pushing the Annang population further southwest to areas like Nto Ndang and Ita Ikpo. Their new settlement became known as Ariam Elu-Elu.
##Traditions and Lifestyle
Ariam/Usaka residents observe the Ekpe festival, a cultural event also celebrated by the three other clans of Ikwuano. Traditional wrestling matches are another significant part of their festivities. While they speak the Igbo language, their version includes unique dialectical characteristics.
##Constituent Villages
The clan consists of the following 15 communities:
Amaegbu
Ariam Ala-Ala
Ariam Elu-Elu
Azunchai
Ekpiri Ala-Ala
Ekpiri Elu-Elu
Ekwelu
Ndieke
Ndiokoro
Ndiorie
Obugwu
Obeama
Oboni
Upa
Usaka Ukwu
##Border Conflicts With Akwa Ibom Settlements
Ariam/Usaka has experienced recurring violent clashes with neighboring settlements in Akwa Ibom State. For example, in February 2021, reports indicated that at least 16 lives were lost, with several individuals declared missing. These incidents affected various communities including Usaka Ukwu, Azunchai, Ekpiri Ala-Ala, and Ariam Elu-Elu, as well as Nkari and Obot Akara villages located in Ini and Obot Akara Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom. Other localities impacted during these hostilities included Oboni, Upa, Ndiorie, Obugwu, and Ekwelu.