The unabated influx of illegal miners and their cohorts from the Sahelian region into Cross River State’s Yakurr Local Government Area is disconcerting. Despite efforts to draw attention to this issue over the past three months, the problem persists. These foreign nationals, aided by Nigerian collaborators, have settled in towns like Ugep, Ekori, and Nko, receiving accommodations and hospitality that enable them to blend in and evade authorities.
The sheer scale of this operation suggests collusion between traditional institutions, local communities, and external forces. It’s implausible that individuals from Mauritania, Mali, Niger, and Chad could traverse thousands of kilometers, navigating Nigeria’s rugged terrain without internal assistance.
The Nigerian Immigration Service and security agencies must take decisive action. Powerful illegal syndicates, backed by foreign interests, have infiltrated Cross River State, exploiting its resources and engaging in money laundering, human trafficking, and potentially terrorist financing. These crimes are inextricably linked, destabilizing communities and undermining national security.
Read Also: Reps dismiss reports on demand of N480m to approve varsities’ 2025 budgets
The Cross River State contingents to the National Assembly have been conspicuous in their absence, despite mining, immigration, and security falling within their legislative purview. As national parliamentarians, they should be at the forefront of addressing this crisis.
I urge the Government of Cross River State to declare a state of emergency and take proactive measures to engage national authorities. The problem of illegal mining has also been reported in Biase and Obanliku Local Government Areas, with reports of heavy illegal gold mining activity as far back as 2023.
As for why the Government of Cross River State must declare an emergency on the issue:
1. Magnitude of the problem: The write-up suggests that the issue of illegal mining is widespread and has been ongoing for some time, with reports of heavy activity in multiple local government areas.
2. Security implications: The presence of illegal miners and their cohorts from the Sahelian region raises concerns about national security, particularly with regards to terrorism and banditry.
3. Environmental degradation: Illegal mining activities can have devastating environmental consequences, including deforestation, water pollution, and soil degradation.
4. Economic losses: The state is likely losing significant revenue due to the illegal mining activities, which could be better harnessed for development purposes.
5. Need for coordinated response: Declaring an emergency would enable the state government to mobilize resources, coordinate responses, and take decisive action to address the issue.
By declaring an emergency, the Government of Cross River State can demonstrate its commitment to addressing the issue of illegal mining and ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of its citizens.
The government must warn traditional rulers in affected areas to cease collaborating with these illegal miners and criminal syndicates, lest they face legal consequences.
