Militants kill one, seize communities, farmlands in Cross River

Militants have taken over various communities, including farmlands and fishing waters in the coastal area of Cross River State.

CONVERSEER gathered that the militants now manned Akwa-Esuk Eyamba, Ikong Nkokanie, and Esuk Mba communities of Akpabuyo, Bakassi and Calabar South through the Qua River.

In a recent incident on 11th September, the militants attacked the Esuk Mba/Akwa-Esuk Eyamba communities, killing one villager and injuring several others. The attack has left villagers in fear as they can no longer fish or farm in their communities.

Wading into the matter, the Cross River State House of Assembly, on Friday, called on the State Government to urgently check militancy on the waterways of Akpabuyo, Bakassi, Calabar South and Calabar Municipality by urging the Federal Government to provide Military House and Gunboats on strategic locations of the Qua River.

The House, via the resolutions adopted from a Matter of Urgent Public Importance, brought before it by the Member representing Akpabuyo State Constituency, Hon. Bassey Bassey Effiong, urged the Federal Government to direct the Nigerian Navy and Army to position the Military House and Gunboats at Akwa-Esuk Eyamba of Akpabuyo and Inua-Esighi of Bakassi.

While addressing the House, Hon. Bassey stressed that, “It has, for a long time, been routine invasion and attacks on the coastal communities of Akwa-Esuk Eyamba, Ikong Nkokanie, Esuk Mba communities of Akpabuyo, Bakassi and Calabar South through the Qua River.”

Adding that, “The militants have succeeded in stopping the fishermen in these communities from fishing in the river and the farmers from farming in the coastal land. There have been frequent cases of seizures of boats, outboard engines, and looting of goods from the traders in the community market of Esuk Mba.”

The Lawmaker who bemoaned the tragic incident which occurred on 11th September 2024, where militants attacked the Esuk Mba/Akwa-Esuk Eyamba communities, added that “The villagers now live in fear and can no longer go for fishing or farming.”

He expressed fear that the situation may result in some of the youths joining the criminals due to idleness.

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In their separate comments, the Lawmakers lauded the State Governor’s efforts in tackling insecurity in the State. They emphasised the need for the military to collaborate with the youths of the communities who are conversant with the terrain for more effective operations.

They further urged the State Government to provide palliatives for the people of the area as they have been cut off from their means of livelihood by the militants who have taken over the waterways.

Remarking also, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, reiterated that the present administration is a very responsive government, adding that the House will pay a courtesy call to the governor to discuss the matter.

CONVERSEER reports that on Monday, Governor Bassey Otu paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, at Naval Headquarters Abuja, calling for the protection of the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport, as well as advocating for improved Naval presence at the strategic location adjoining the boundaries of Cross River and Cameroon.

In his response, Vice Admiral Ogalla reassured Governor Otu of the commitment of the Nigerian Navy to ensure “Adequate Naval presence, especially at the coastal axis, border areas and the environs of the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport.”