Cross River Assembly Seeks Prosecution of Illegal Miners.
The Cross River State House of Assembly has urged the state government, through its relevant agencies, to halt the activities of Fulani migrants engaged in illegal mining in Boki Local Council. The miners are reportedly operating in Okwa 1 and 2, as well as Ukwango communities.
This resolution followed a Matter of Urgent Public Importance regarding the encroachment of Fulani migrants in the Boki Council communities, sponsored by Bette Philip Obi, the member representing Boki 1 State Constituency.
The Assembly called for security agencies to be deployed to the affected communities to arrest and prosecute the miners and for advocacy groups to educate community leaders on the negative impact of illegal mining.
Obi, who is also the Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, revealed that an estimated 1,000 unidentified Fulani migrants had entered Boki communities in pursuit of solid minerals. He stated, “These Fulani have been carrying out illicit gold mining within the Government Reserved Area (GRA), thereby robbing Boki Council, as well as the state, of its natural resources and revenue.”
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He expressed concern for his constituents’ well-being, noting, “The communities are now facing a crisis, as the influx of the Fulani have exceeded the number of indigenes. These communities now live in fear for their life and property.”
In their contributions, other members lamented the endemic nature of illegal mining in the state, describing the situation as “unfortunate.” They also noted that illegal mining is often accompanied by criminal activities, calling on security agencies to address the menace promptly.
