Deputy Governor Peter Odey of Cross River State has expressed his dissatisfaction with the invasion of the Belegete community in Obanliku Local Government Area by separatist fighters from southwest Cameroon, known as the Ambazonia Boys.
These fighters have reportedly kidnapped and killed several community leaders, including the clan head, Francis Okweshi.
The Cameroonian rebels attacked the Cross River community on December 5, 2023, abducting more than 30 locals and causing harm and death to many.
As of yesterday, they were still in control of the community, which is located near the popular Obudu Mountain resort, according to DAILY POST.
The deputy governor expressed his concern yesterday when he met with the Integrated Border Governance and Inter-Ministerial Committee, which was established by the Federal Ministry of Interior. The purpose of the meeting was to address the issues faced by communities living near the border.
During the meeting, the deputy governor highlighted a significant challenge faced by the state: the increasing number of refugees from Cameroon. This influx of refugees is a direct result of the armed insurrection that began in 2017.
The state, which has four international borders, is currently accommodating 52,000 Cameroonian refugees. This number is the highest in Nigeria.
Overall, the deputy governor’s main concern is the impact of the refugee crisis on the state and its communities.
Odey expressed regret that some of the conflicts in border communities were caused by an identity crisis. He urged the Federal Government to ensure that all Nigerians, including those in border communities, feel the impact of the Renewed Hope AGENDA.
Earlier, Mrs. Comfort Kabirwa, the Team Lead of the Federal Ministry of Interior, explained that their visit aimed to identify the problems on-site and find solutions. Kabirwa mentioned that the Minister of Interior desires a stronger government presence in border communities.
The speaker mentioned that the communities are still facing these challenges, so an inter-ministerial committee is necessary.
Comptroller S. A. Agba, who is part of the team, stated that the purpose of the visit is to gather information that could help set up outposts for security agencies. These outposts would regulate migration and immigration, ultimately reducing the number of foreigners entering the area.
