C’River Assembly decries influx of illegal miners

The Cross River State House of Assembly, on Thursday,  called on the state government, through its relevant agencies, to stop the activities of some Fulani migrants engaging in illegal mining in Okwa 1 and 2 and Ukwango in the Boki Local Government Area of the state.

The Assembly made the call in Calabar, on Thursday, following a matter of urgent public importance on the encroachment by Fulani in Okwa 1 and 2 and Ukwango communities of Boki LGA, sponsored by the member representing Boki 1 State Constituency, Philip Obi.

Leading the debate, Obi who is the Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, said some unidentified Fulani, estimated to be over 1,000, had arrived at the Boki communities in pursuit of solid minerals.

He said the migrants had been carrying out illicit gold mining within the Government Reserved Area, robbing Boki LGA as well as the state of its natural resources and revenue.

He also expressed concern about the well-being of his constituents, fearing that the communities would face a crisis as the influx of the Fulani had exceeded the number of indigenes.

“These communities now live in fear for their lives and property,” he said.

In separate contributions, members lamented that illegal mining had become endemic in the state, describing the situation as unfortunate.

The lawmakers also observed that illegal mining was usually accompanied by criminality, as they called on security agencies to stop the menace as soon as possible.

The Assembly further resolved that security agencies be deployed in the affected communities to arrest and prosecute illegal miners.

It also sought the engagement of advocacy groups to educate community leaders on the ills of allowing illegal mining in their communities.

The Speaker, Elvert Ayambem, commended members for their support for the motion and commitment towards improving the lives of the citizens through effective legislation.

Ayambem noted that illegal mining contributed greatly to environmental degradation and promised that the Assembly would ensure the people of Boki did not suffer any negative consequences.

He advised the traditional rulers and the youth of the affected area to maintain peace so that the situation did not culminate in violence and loss of lives.

The lawmakers further described the administration of Governor Bassey Otu as a responsive government with its “Peoples First” mantra and expressed confidence that issues affecting the well-being of the citizens would receive immediate attention.