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From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
Bette Philip Obi, a member representing Boki 1 State Constituency says over 1000 illegal miners have invaded his community.
The lawmaker revealed this at Cross River State House of Assembly while sponsoring a matter of Urgent Public Importance on the encroachment of Fulanis in Okwa 1 and 2 and Ukwango communities in Boki Local Government Area.
Leading debate on the matter, Obi who is the Chairman House Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, disclosed that, a large influx of unidentified Fulanis, estimated to be over one thousand (1000) have entered the Boki communities in pursuit of solid minerals.
“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 lawmaker told the house.
The Lawmaker also expressed concern about the well-being of his constituents as the invaders have exceeded the number of indigenes who now live in fear of their lives and properties.
Lawmakers who contributed observed that illegal mining is usually accompanied by criminality while calling on security agencies to stop the menace as soon as possible.
Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem commended Members for their overwhelming support for the motion and commitment towards improving the lives of the citizens through effective legislation.
Ayambem added that illegal mining contributes greatly to environmental degradation and promised that the Assembly will ensure that the people of Boki do not suffer any negative consequences.
The Assembly subsequently called on the State Government, through its relevant agencies, to stop the activities of Fulani migrants engaged in illegal mining in Okwa 1 and 2 and Ukwango in Boki Local Government Area.
The Assembly further resolved that, security agencies be deployed to the affected communities to arrest and prosecute the Fulani miners while advocacy groups should be engaged to educate community leaders on the ills of allowing illegal mining in their communities.
