By Patrick Obia
After CrossRiverWatch’s investigation on how illegal mining claimed two lives and others trapped in the site, the Cross River State Government has declared war against illegal mining in the state.
The investigation uncovered that Cross River State is no stranger to illegal mining. At least seven local government areas: Yakurr, Akamkpa, Biase, Boki, Obubra, Ikom, and Obanliku, host unregulated operations.
The influx of foreign miners, estimated at over 800 individuals, have turned the forests into battlegrounds for hidden treasures.
The CrossRiverWatch report revealed that on April 20, 2024, a tragedy unfolded in Shikpeche, a quiet community in Bishiri North of Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State. What should have been another day of labor turned fatal for Peter Shinong and Emmanuel Ushikeh, two young men who died while working in an illegal mining pit.
The Chairman of the State Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce, Prince Paul Effiong had in the report said “Illegal miners are thieves who exploit our land, deceive our leaders, and bring insecurity to our communities,” assuring that illegal miners in the state will be hunted after and brought to book.
READ: How Illegal Mining Endanger Lives, Environment In Cross River
And to take the bull by the horn, a few days ago, a Joint Task Force Committee on illegal mining arrested dozens of illegal miners in Agoi Ekpo, Agoi Ibami, and Ekom Agoi of Yakurr LGA of the state.
The suspects, CrossRiverWatch gathered are both foreigners and locals and mostly youth were arrested with machines and other tools.
Prince Paul Effiong while thanking his team for the arrest, told CrossRiverWatch that they have a fixed gaze on Obanliku LGA.
Watch The Arrest Video Below 👇:
Meanwhile, the lower arm of the National Assembly, the House of Representatives, has reacted to illegal mining activities in the state and moved to take urgent measures to address the alarming activities.
On Thursday, Honorable Alex Egbona, a member of the House of Representatives representing Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency, highlighted the fraudulent and illegal activities of the miners in a motion under matters of urgent public interest and called for immediate intervention from the House.
Honorable Egbona raised concerns about the growing presence of illegal miners, believed to hail from the Sahel region of West Africa. He said their operations not only threaten the safety of residents but also pose significant risks to the environment.
“The people of these communities are living in fear due to the presence of these invaders,” Egbona stated. “Their unregulated mining activities contribute to environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, and depletion of natural resources, which could have long-term consequences for the affected communities.”
The House condemned the invasion and other illegal mining activities in the state and urged the federal government to take decisive action to remove the illegal miners and restore order to the affected communities. The Lawmakers also stressed the importance of supporting officially recognized mining companies to ensure they can operate without undue interference.
The committees on Army, Police, National Security, and Solid Minerals in the plenary were directed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the invasion in Yakurr LGA and report back with recommendations within four weeks for further legislative action.
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