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From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
The Cross River State House of Assembly has launched an investigation into allegations that a temporary tanker park on Lemna Road, Calabar, has been turned into a crime hub where newborn babies are allegedly trafficked and sold.
The investigation followed a petition by landlords and residents of Lemna Road, who alleged that the facility, originally approved by the state government as a temporary holding bay for tankers, had become a major security and environmental threat to the community.
Presenting their petition before the House, the residents alleged that criminal elements had taken over the facility, engaging in prostitution, sexual exploitation of young girls, illicit drug dealings, cultism, armed robbery, internet fraud and illegal foreign exchange activities.
The residents also raised a more disturbing allegation, claiming that the park was being used as a transit point for child trafficking, including the alleged sale of newborn babies.
They called on the House to direct the Nigeria Police Force, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Homeland Security and other relevant agencies to conduct a joint investigation into the activities at the facility.
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They also urged the lawmakers to order the removal or demolition of illegal structures allegedly being used to facilitate criminal activities in the area.
The petition generated concern among lawmakers, with members including Mercy Akpama and Thomas Aruku condemning the alleged activities and their implications for residents.
Deputy Leader of the House, Davies Etta, observed that the facility was originally established as a temporary holding bay for trailer drivers but had allegedly been diverted to activities beyond its approved purpose.
Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem, condemned the allegations and said the 10th Assembly would not tolerate activities capable of threatening public safety and the wellbeing of residents.
Ayambem said the Assembly would liaise with relevant security and law enforcement agencies to investigate the allegations and take appropriate legislative action based on the findings.
Following deliberations, lawmakers embarked on an oversight visit to the tanker park, where they expressed concern over the situation and vowed to take urgent steps to restore sanity and security to the area.
