Reps Order Army, Police, DSS to Flush Out Illegal Foreign Miners In C' River As Community Leaders Protest
Abdul SULE, Abuja and Ogarekpe OGAREKPE, Ugep
The House of Representatives, on Thursday, directed the Nigerian Army, Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately flush out illegal foreign miners operating in mining sites across Cross River State.
This directive follows a motion on Matter of Urgent Public Importance presented by Hon. Alex Egbona, representing Abi/Yakurr federal Constituency, raising concerns about the growing presence of illegal miners believed to be from the Sahel region of West Africa.
Hon. Egbona, while addressing lawmakers on the floor of the House, specifically mentioned Agoi Ekpo, Agom Ibami and Ekom Agoi communities in Yakurr local government area of Cross River state as areas currently invaded by these miners.
He warned that their activities pose significant threats to the lives, safety and livelihoods of the local population.
"The people of these communities are living in fear due to the presence of these invaders who operate illegally and pose serious security risks.
" Their unregulated mining activities also contribute to environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, and depletion of natural resources, which could have long-term consequences for the affected communities," Egbona stated.
The motion titled “Alarm over the invasion of Agom Ibami, Agoi Ekpo over the invasion of Agom Ibami, Agoi Ekpo and Ekom Agoi Communities of Yakurr by armed foreigners from the Sahel region of West Africa suspected to be illegal miners and the need to protect lives and legitimate mining activities” observed that the presence of armed foreign miners constitutes a breach of Nigeria’s territorial integrity, a violation of the rights of local inhabitants and an affront to the rule of law.
It further highlighted that mining when carried out lawfully plays a crucial role in the national and local economy by providing jobs and fostering development.
The House in its resolution condemned the invasion of the communities and urged the federal government to take decisive action to remove the illegal miners and restore order to the affected communities.
The Lawmakers also emphasised the need to support officially recognised mining companies to carry out their operations without undue interference and directed the Committees on Army, Police, National Security, Solid Minerals to investigate the circumstances surrounding the invasion and report back with recommendations within four weeks for further legislative action
Meanwhile, the Agoi Ibami community in Yakurr local government area of Cross River State had sent Save-Our- Soul message to Governor Bassey Edet Otu, federal ministry of solid mineral, security agencies following the invasion of the community by illegal miners.
The clan head of the community, Attah Charles Ikum Ujong, who made this known after the meeting of the traditional rulers council held in his palace at Agoi Ibami recently, said the illegal miners have over taken the entire community.
The Royal father said the quick intervention of the governor and the relevant authorities will save the community from what he called modern day slavery in their own land, adding that the women and children are not free to go their normal businesses specially as farming season is at the corner.
The monarch, who used the medium to commend Governor Bassey Edet Otu for re-awarding the Mkpani-Agoi Ibami road, appealed to the contractors to work according to specification.
He added that the road, when completed, will boast local economy as well as revenue based of the state and local government.
