Yala, Cross River – Wanikade, a developing community in the Northern part of Yala in Cross River State, has been in existence since 1800. The community is a hub for commercial activities with their popular market called “Lihin-na-Wanikade”.
The market comes up every five days a week. Rated by some local statisticians to have been the second largest market in Yala, it is known for its sale of assorted farm products such as Yam, Garri, Rice, Palm oil, Beans, Ground beans, Palm Kernel, etc., all in larger quantity.
The community is further blessed with natural resources such as zinc, copper, ore and others yet to be discovered in places like Ujenyi and Bitol.
Since the inception of Wanikade as a community, there have been several communal clashes, ranging from land disputes to indiscriminate behaviour among dwellers.
In a chat with one Mr Awisk, owner of a rice mill in Barracks Wanikade, he mentioned that the community is gradually tilting towards anarchy because of the absence of the judicial system. He explained that the traditional system is trying its very best in dispute resolution but their best is not enough.
He suggested to newsmen that the government should install a police station in the area and revamp the existing court; by so doing, the people will not only see the light, but they will walk in the light by shunning violence and embracing dialogue.
Another retired soldier, Mr Victor, who resides at Barracks Wanikade, cried out that once Police are absent in any given area, the people resort to all manner of unlawful behaviours. “Stealing, raping, child trafficking, drug abuse, and the like dominate the society.
“It is, therefore, sacrosanct for the government to look into this area by providing the people with law enforcement agents such as the police and the court. This will instil caution into the life of the dwellers, who will become law-abiding.
“Wanikade is a blessed community; if the presence of the law is felt, we can tailor our energy to more productive activities instead of fighting over nothing,” he added.
