Crisis looms in Cross River, following ‘illegal migration’ of 8,000 Cameroonians

- There are fears that a humanitarian crisis may occur in some Cross River communities, following the illegal migration of 8,000 Cameroonians

- A community head has expressed worry over the situation, and lamented over the fact that it is getting very difficult to feed the migrants

- An aide to the governor has also called on the federal government to intervene, as he noted that the illegal migration was putting pressure on food and health facilities

Some communities in Boki Local Council of Cross River state may soon witness a humanitarian crisis, following the illegal migration of 8,000 Cameroonians, The Guardian reports.

The migrants are said to have come from the English-speaking (Anglophone) part of Cameroon, following the crisis in their country caused by the struggle for independence by the Anglophone Cameroonians.

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NAIJ.com gathers that two weeks ago, 6,000 Cameroonians arrived in Cross River state, with the remaining 2,000 following afterwards.

The United Nations (UN) has stated that if urgent steps are not taken to tackle the situation, over 30,000 Cameroonians may leave the country to seek refuge elsewhere.

Speaking on the situation, the head of Abo clan in Boki local council, Otu Bernard Abang Eban stated: “We are deeply worried because our children, men and women are facing hardship.

“The figures from this migration are rising daily; and feeding the refugees has become difficult for us.

“The government and the UN should supply sleeping, food and other relief materials to help the people.

“We also need health facilities and medical personnel, especially as most of these communities are located in difficult terrains.”

Amos Kajang, the special adviser to the Cross River state governor on aviation, called on the federal government to intervene.

He stated: “These migrants are Boki-speaking people, and the refugees are flooding the areas due to the heavy presence of Cameroonian soldiers in the areas.

“Many of them had also rushed into Bashua, which is the last border town between Nigeria and Cameroon.

“Bashua and Erinekpang have become a safe haven for the fleeing Cameroonians, thus putting pressure on food and health facilities.

“Unfortunately, water supply has been poor because the people depend solely on streams, which sometimes dry up.”

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Meanwhile, NAIJ.com previously reported that more than 40,000 Cameroonians stormed South-west Nigeria to seek refuge, following renewed violence in the Anglophone parts of their country.

The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) together with the local authorities assisted the migrants seeking refuge and safety in Nigeria.

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Source: Naija.ng