Cross River Gold Mining: Lawmaker Accused Fulanis For Illegal Operations

Cross River Gold Mining: Lawmaker Accused Fulanis For Illegal Operations

A lawmaker representing Boki 1 State Constituency of Cross River State, Bette Obi, has alleged that Fulanis are engaging in illegal gold mining in the state.

Ireporteronline reports that Obi made this submission before the Cross River State House of Assembly.

Having received the urgent public importance notice regarding the encroachment of Fulanis in Okwa 1 and 2 and Ukwango communities in the Boki Local Government Area of the state, the lawmakers have urged the state government, along with its relevant agencies, to halt the operations of migrants involved in illegal mining in Okwa 1 and 2 and Ukwango areas.

During the discussion, Obi, who serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, highlighted that a significant number of unidentified Fulanis believed to exceed 1000, have infiltrated the Boki communities in search of valuable minerals.

The lawmaker said, “These Fulanis have been carrying out illicit gold mining within the Government Reserved Area hence robbing Boki LGA as well as the State of its natural resources and revenue.”

Obi expressed concern about the well-being of his constituents, saying, “The communities are now facing crisis as the influx of the Fulanis has exceeded the number of indigenes. These communities now live in fear for their lives and property.”

In separate statements, members expressed their concerns about the widespread prevalence of illegal mining in the State, labelling the situation as regrettable.

The legislators also pointed out that illegal mining often leads to criminal activities, urging security forces to address the issue promptly.

The assembly additionally decided that security forces should be dispatched to the impacted communities to apprehend and prosecute the miners, while advocacy organizations should be involved in educating community leaders on the negative impacts of allowing illegal mining in their areas.

During his address, the Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem, praised the members for their strong support of the motion and dedication to enhancing the lives of the citizens through effective laws.

Ayambem emphasized that illegal mining significantly contributes to environmental harm and assured that the Assembly will prevent any adverse effects on the people of Boki.

The Speaker advised the traditional leaders and youth in the affected region to maintain peace to prevent the situation from escalating into violence and loss of lives.

Furthermore, the lawmakers acknowledged that Governor Bassey Otu’s current administration is responsive, with a focus on the people, and expressed confidence that issues impacting the citizens’ well-being will be promptly addressed.