'Halt Illegal Mining Activities Of Fulani Migrants In C’River'

The Cross River State House of Assembly has called on the state government to halt the illegal mining activities of Fulani migrants in the state.

The Assembly revealed that some Fulani migrants were engaging in illegal mining in Okwa 1 and 2 and Ukwango in the Boki Local Government Area of the state.

The matter was raised in the Assembly following a matter of urgent public importance on the encroachment by Fulani in Okwa 1 and 2 and Ukwango communities of Boki LGA, sponsored by the member representing Boki 1 State Constituency, Philip Obi.

Leading the debate, Obi who is the Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, said some unidentified Fulani, estimated to be over 1,000, had invaded the Boki communities in pursuit of solid minerals.

He said the migrants had been carrying out illicit gold mining within the Government Reserved Area, robbing the Boki LGA as well as the state of its natural resources and revenue.

He also expressed concern about the well-being of his constituents, fearing that the communities would face a crisis as the influx of the Fulani had exceeded the number of indigenes.

“These communities now live in fear for their lives and property,” he said.

In separate contributions, members lamented that illegal mining had become endermic in the state, describing the situation as unfortunate.

The Assembly demanded the deployment of security personnel to the affected communities to arrest and prosecute illegal miners.