local government area of Nigeria
Abak is a town of 139,000 people (2006) in Akwa Ibom State, South South Nigeria.
Abak lies on the South West of Akwa Ibom State and is bounded in the North by Ikono Local Government Area, North West by Essien Udim Government Area, West by Etlm Ekpo and Ukanafun Local Government Areas, South by Oruk Anam and in the East by Uyo Local Government Area. Abak town, the local government headquarters is located about 18 kilometres from Uyo, the State capital.
Abak became the seat of Government in 1902 after conquest by war against the British colonial master at the valley lying between Ediene and Abak Clans. The outcome of that conquest was the penetration into the hinterland by the colonial soldiers and eventual installation of the government. Valley in the local language is called “Aba-ag” and fighting is “Anwan.” By joining the two words “Aba- ag” and “Anwan” the names “Aba-ag Ikot Anwan” was given to the newly established entity. The seat of Government kept growing until 1957 and 1958 when it gained the status of Divisional Council Headquarters.
The town is about 18 km west of Uyo on the Abak Road.