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From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
The Cross River State House of Assembly has launched an investigation into shocking allegations that a Temporary Tanker Park at Lemna Road, Calabar, has become a major crime hub for child trafficking and sale of newborn babies.
The alarm followed a petition by landlords and residents of Lemna Road, who told the House that the facility, originally approved by government as a temporary holding bay for tankers, now poses a grave security and environmental threat to the entire community.
In the petition laid during plenary, the residents alleged that the park has been taken over by criminal elements involved in prostitution and sexual exploitation of young girls, illicit drug dealings, cultism, armed robbery, internet fraud and illegal foreign exchange rackets.
Most disturbing, they alleged that the park is being used for child trafficking, including the sale of newborn babies.
They urged the House to mandate the Nigeria Police Force, National Intelligence Agency, NAPTIP, Homeland Security and other relevant agencies to carry out a joint investigation and to order the demolition of all illegal structures fueling crime in the area.
The petition sparked outrage on the floor of the House as lawmakers including Mercy Akpama, and Thomas Aruku deplored the negative vices ongoing in the area.
Deputy Leader of the House, Davies Etta, noted that the facility was meant to be temporary for trailer drivers but has been diverted to uses far beyond its original purpose.
Speaker Elvert Ayambem condemned the alleged vices and vowed that the 10th Assembly will not condone any activity that threatens public safety.
He assured that the Assembly will liaise with relevant security agencies to investigate the claims and take necessary legislative action.
Following deliberations, members of the House embarked on an oversight visit to the tanker park where they expressed shock at the situation on ground and vowed to ensure urgent action to restore sanity.
