On Wednesday evening, at least five buses were spotted unloading unfamiliar men with characteristics typical of individuals from the Sahelian region of West Africa in the Agoi Ibami community within the Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State. Community sources reported that the men were offloading various items, including head pans, shovels, machetes, mattresses, beddings, cooking utensils, and weapons. Last week, DAILY POST exclusively covered the significant influx of illegal miners believed to be from Niger Republic, Mali, and other Sahelian countries into the Agoi areas of Agoi Ekpo, Ekom Agoi, and Agom Ibami, posing a threat to the safety and security of locals. Agoi Ibami resident Mr. Great Andrew Bassey stated that these large arrivals are a major concern, causing fear among the residents. He mentioned, “Around 4:20 pm today, two buses entered the Agoi Ibami community, likely for mining activities at the Akpa plantation in Yakurr Local Government Area.” Additional buses have arrived, packed with non-Nigerians. “The situation unfolding in Agoi Ibami includes a group of Hausa people and other foreigners who are not from Nigeria.” They have arrived by bus, possibly for mining operations. “This requires immediate action from the government.” “The arrival of these illegal miners in the Agoi communities of Agoi Ekpo, Ekom Agoi, and Agom Ibami is endangering the safety and security of the residents.” Agoi is a large but mostly overlooked reservoir of natural resources, such as forests, gold, and other minerals, which have drawn in illegal miners and loggers. Commissioner of Police Augustine Grimah stated that there is no reason to worry, as police units are present in those communities to monitor the situation. A community chief and former presidential aide, Obol Obono-Obla, emphasized the need for the Cross River State government and the Federal Government of Nigeria to address the security issues and criminal activities caused by these illegal mining groups in the Agoi area of Yakurr Local Government Area before it escalates into a crisis similar to that in Zamfara. I call for urgent measures to address these dangers and protect the welfare of the people in this area in order to prevent another situation like Zamfara.
