- Lawmaker cries out, calls for security beef-up in affected areas
- Fears for the lives and property of his constituents
From John Aniekan, Calabar
Hon. Bette Philip Obi, a member representing Boki 1 State Constituency of Cross River State, has warned that, unless something is urgently done about it, the unending mayhem in Zamfara State, spawned largely by the activities of illegal gold-miners, may be loading in his area as over 1000 illegal miners have invaded the communities in his constituency in search of solid mineral-fortunes.
Raising a motion earlier today (Thursday, July 25) on the floor of the Cross River State House of Assembly on a matter of urgent importance, regarding what he described as “the encroachment of Fulanis in Okwa 1 and 2 and Ukwango communities in Boki Local Government Area,” Obi, the Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, disclosed that a large number of unidentified Fulanis, estimated at over 1000, have entered Boki communities in pursuit of solid minerals.Â
“These Fulanis have been carrying out illicit gold mining within the Government Reserved Area hence robbing Boki LGA as well as the State of its natural resources and revenue,” the lawmaker told the House.
Obi also expressed concern over the well-being of his constituents as the invaders have exceeded the number of indigenes, lamenting that his people now live in fear of the unknown as they feel threatened by the influx of violent and unscrupulous fortune seekers into their communities.
Lawmakers who contributed to the motion observed that illegal mining is usually accompanied by criminality and called on security agencies to stop the menace without any delay.
Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem commended Members for their overwhelming support for the motion and commitment towards improving the lives of citizens through effective legislation.
He condemned illegal mining and those promoting and or carrying it out, warning that such activity, if unchecked, is known to have always contributed to environmental degradation and promised that the Assembly would ensure that the people of Boki do not suffer any negative consequences.
The Assembly subsequently called on the State Government, through its relevant agencies, to stop the activities of Fulani migrants engaged in illegal mining in Okwa 1 and 2 and Ukwango in Boki Local Government Area.Â
The Assembly further resolved that security agencies be deployed to the affected communities to arrest and prosecute the illegal miners, while advocacy groups should be engaged to educate community leaders on the ills of allowing illegal mining in their communities
