The Cross River State House of Assembly has called on the State Government, through its relevant agencies, to stop the activities of migrants engaged in illegal mining in Okwa 1 and 2 and Ukwango in Boki Local Government Area.
The resolution, which was sponsored by Bette Obi, the member representing the Boki 1 State Constituency, was made by the legislators on Thursday in Calabar in response to an issue of urgent public importance about the incursion of Fulanis in Okwa 1 and 2 and Ukwango villages in Boki LGA.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, Obi, spearheaded the discussion on the subject and revealed that a significant number of unnamed Fulanis roughly over a thousand have invaded the Boki towns in search of solid minerals.
The lawmaker also expressed concern about the well-being of his constituents,” the communities are now facing crisis as the influx of the Fulanis has exceeded the number of indigenes. These communities now live in fear for their lives and property,” he stated.
In separate contributions, members lamented that illegal mining has become endemic in the State describing the situation as ”unfortunate”.
The lawmakers also observed that illegal mining is usually accompanied by criminality while calling on security agencies to stop the menace as soon as possible.
The assembly further resolved that security agencies be deployed to the affected communities to arrest and prosecute the miners while advocacy groups should be engaged to educate community leaders on the ills of allowing illegal mining in their communities.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem, commended members for their overwhelming support for the motion and commitment towards improving the lives of the citizens through effective legislation.
