Members of the Cross River State House of Assembly have called on Governor Bassey Otu to set out instruments to stem the activities of migrants involved in illegal mining in Okwa 1 and 2 and Ukwango in Boki Local Government Area.
Sponsored by the Member representing Boki 1 State Constituency, Bette Obi on Thursday in Calabar, the lawmakers made the resolution over what it referred as a matter of urgent Public Importance over encroachment of migrants in Okwa 1 and 2 and Ukwango communities in Boki LGA.
Obi who chairs the House Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, stated that a large influx of unidentified Fulanis, estimated to be over 1000 entered the Boki communities in pursuit of solid minerals.
The legislator said, “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 parliament also expressed concerns over the well-being of his constituents,” the communities are now facing a crisis as the influx of the Fulanis has exceeded the number of natives. These communities now live in fear for their lives and property,” he stated.
Some other lawmakers lamented that illegal mining has become endemic in the State describing the situation as ” unfortunate”.
Their worry stems from the fact that illegal mining is usually linked to criminality, it therefore called on law enforcement agencies to checkmate the menace.In a collective decision, they resolved that security agents be deployed to affected communities to apprehend and prosecute the illegal miners. It added that advocacy groups should educate community leaders on the environmental impact of illegal mining activities in their communities.The Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem commended members for their unanimous support for the motion and commitment towards improving the lives of the citizens through effective legislation.Ayambem noted that illegal mining was responsible for serious environmental degradation and promised that the Assembly will ensure that the people of Boki do not suffer any negative consequences.The Speaker urged traditional rulers and the youths of the affected area to maintain law and order so that the situation does not lead to violence, destruction of properties and the loss of lives.
