At least five buses were spotted unloading groups of strange men with distinct Sahelian features in the Agoi Ibami community, Yakurr Local Government Area, Cross River State, on Wednesday evening. Local sources confirmed the men brought along items such as head pans, shovels, machetes, mattresses, bedding, cooking utensils, and even weapons.
This development follows last week’s exclusive report by Daily Post highlighting a surge of illegal miners suspected to originate from Niger Republic, Mali, and other Sahelian countries into the Agoi communities of Agoi Ekpo, Ekom Agoi, and Agom Ibami. These activities are reportedly endangering the lives and security of local residents.
An indigene of Agoi Ibami, Mr Great Andrew Bassey, expressed deep concern over the situation. He reported that around 4:20 pm, two buses entered Agoi Ibami, apparently headed for mining activities at the Akpa plantation. Additional buses soon followed, carrying non-Nigerian individuals.
“The situation in Agoi Ibami involves strangers, including Hausa individuals and others who are not Nigerians, arriving in buses likely for mining operations,” Mr Bassey stated. “This calls for urgent government intervention as it poses a serious threat to the community’s security.”
Agoi, rich in untapped natural resources such as forests, gold, and other solid minerals, has become a magnet for illegal mining and logging activities. Commissioner of Police Augustine Grimah assured residents there was no cause for alarm, noting that police units had been deployed to monitor the situation.
However, Obol Obono-Obla, a community chief and former presidential aide, emphasised the urgent need for action. “The Cross River State Government and the Federal Government must address the security breaches and criminal activities of these illegal mining syndicates in the Agoi region. This is critical to prevent a crisis similar to what Zamfara has experienced,” he warned.
The call for immediate action aims to protect the region’s residents and avert an escalating security crisis.
