By Sylvia Akpan
The Cross River State House of Assembly has called for a thorough investigation into alleged criminal activities at the Temporary Tanker Park along Lemna Road, Calabar, following a petition by landlords and residents of the area.
The petition, considered during plenary, alleged that the facility, originally established as a temporary holding area for tanker drivers, had become a security and environmental threat to the surrounding community.
According to the petitioners, alleged activities at the park include prostitution and sexual exploitation of young girls, illicit drug dealings, cultism, harboring of suspected criminals, armed robbery, internet fraud and illegal foreign exchange transactions.
They also alleged that the facility was being used for child trafficking, including the alleged sale of newborn babies.
The petitioners urged the Assembly to direct the Nigeria Police Force, National Intelligence Agency, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Homeland Security and other relevant agencies to conduct a joint investigation into the allegations.
They further called for the demolition of illegal structures within the facility that could pose a threat to public safety and peaceful coexistence.
Contributing to the debate, Hon. Mercy Akpama commended the petitioners for bringing their concerns before the Assembly, stressing the government’s responsibility to protect vulnerable persons from exploitation.
She called for a thorough investigation of the allegations and appropriate sanctions where wrongdoing is established.
Also speaking, Hon. Thomas Aruku, who said he resides in the area, expressed concern over the security situation, noting that movement around the vicinity at night had become increasingly difficult.
He said the vandalization of public infrastructure, including streetlights, had further worsened the security challenges in the area.
The Deputy Leader of the House, Hon. Davies Etta, noted that the facility was originally provided by the state government as a temporary location for trailer drivers but had allegedly been put to use beyond its intended purpose.
Etta called for an on-the-spot assessment of the facility and raised concerns about its sanitary condition.
Other lawmakers stressed the need to protect Cross River State’s reputation for cleanliness, orderliness and tourism, while urging relevant authorities to verify the allegations and take appropriate legal and administrative action where they are found to be true.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, said the Assembly would not condone activities capable of threatening public safety and public health.
Ayambem condemned the alleged social vices at the facility and reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th Assembly to supporting the executive in providing effective governance and improving the welfare of residents.
He assured that the Assembly would liaise with relevant security agencies to investigate the allegations and take necessary legislative action.
The lawmakers subsequently embarked on an oversight visit to the tanker park to assess the situation on the ground.
Following the visit, members expressed concern over the conditions at the facility and vowed to pursue measures to ensure that the situation improves.
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