In a pressing appeal for enhanced security measures, stakeholders in Cross River State are urging the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Department of State Services (DSS), and other relevant security agencies to take immediate and proactive steps to manage the rising influx of illegal miners and immigrants from the Sahel region. This growing concern is particularly acute in the Yakurr Local Government Area, where the presence of these individuals has sparked fears among residents.
Despite the deployment of two truckloads of military personnel by the Nigerian Army to the affected areas, reports indicate that the situation remains dire, with new arrivals of individuals suspected to be from the Sahel region continuing to enter the communities. These newcomers are often seen operating under the pretense of engaging in mining activities, raising alarms about potential security threats.
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Obol Okoi Obono-Obla, a lawyer and former presidential aide, has been at the forefront of this issue. After witnessing a significant number of foreign nationals and illegal miners in the surrounding areas, he has called for urgent action from the authorities. In a recent interview with wowplus.net, Obono-Obla emphasized the need for national security to take precedence over individual freedoms, especially in times of heightened insecurity and crisis.
“The question we must ask is: Where are the Nigeria Immigration Service and the DSS in effectively managing and monitoring the movement of people into this region?” he questioned. He further pointed out that the involvement of these agencies is crucial to mitigating the security challenges posed by the influx of illegal miners and immigrants.
Obono-Obla acknowledged that while the Nigerian Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of movement, the current circumstances demand a more vigilant approach from the government. “In times of crisis, the authorities should be equipped to monitor and regulate the movement of people, particularly those entering remote areas of the country without proper checks,” he stated.
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Adding to the urgency of the situation, Ibor Benji, a youth leader from the Mkpani community, expressed his deep concerns during a recent interview. “This situation is very alarming,” he said, highlighting a recent meeting of the central youth of Agoi Ibami aimed at addressing the issue. Unfortunately, he noted, no concrete resolutions were reached during their discussions.
Benji recounted a personal experience that underscored the gravity of the situation. “On Monday, I went to the farm and spent the night there. When I returned in the evening, my cousin informed me that some individuals from Agoi Ibami were facilitating the transportation of suspected foreign miners into the forest,” he revealed. This troubling allegation suggests that some locals, including respected community leaders, may be colluding with these newcomers, allegedly motivated by financial incentives.
The youth leader underscored that the mass arrival of these individuals has created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty within the community. “We cannot continue to sit idly by while our security is compromised,” he asserted. The community is in desperate need of a coordinated response from the authorities to restore safety and order.
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Despite the gravity of the situation, there has been a noticeable lack of response from the military and local security officials. Neither the authorities at the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army nor the state security adviser have provided any updates or solutions regarding the emerging crisis. This silence has only fueled frustration among residents who feel abandoned in their time of need.
As the situation unfolds, the call for action grows louder. Local leaders and concerned citizens alike are urging the NIS, DSS, and other security agencies to step up their efforts to monitor and control the influx of individuals from the Sahel region. The safety and security of the Yakurr Local Government Area depend on swift and decisive action to address these challenges head-on.
In summary, the community is at a critical juncture, and the response from security agencies will determine the future safety of residents. The time for action is now, as the stakes continue to rise with each passing day.
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