The governor of Cross River State, Senator Ben Ayade, has assured the residents of Danare 2 community in Boki Local government that he will seek the federal government’s intervention in the crisis between them and neighbouring communities in the Republic of Cameroun.
This followed the reported invasion of Danare 2 by Cameroonian gendarmes from Bodam border community which resulted in the dead and injury of many people.
Speaking at a meeting with Danare community leaders and youths, Ayade who was represented by the state’s security adviser, Mr. Jude Ngaji appealed to the residents to keep the peace and not react to the provocation of the invaders.
Ngaji who was accompanied on the visit by the commissioner of police, Mr. Hafiz Inuwa met with the leaders of the community, including youth leaders, assured that government would be swift in finding solution to the problem.
“This is a border community and the governor will take it to President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure that something is done as quickly as possible,” he said.
Ngaji added that the state government would soon give the community (Ngaji) a sense of belonging by bringing infrastructural development to the area.
On his part, Inuwa said the purpose of the visit was to douse the tension brewing in the area adding that the state police command had deployed its men to the community to guarantee peace.
“We urge you to embrace peace and dialogue while the state and federal governments are doing everything possible to ensure that not an inch of Nigerian soil is surrendered to any foreign country,” he said.
Also speaking, a member of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Mr. Itam Abang said the governor had shown interest in the matter.
“That is why you are seeing this high power delegation led by the state security adviser and the commissioner of police and myself.
“We are working towards restoration of peace in this area and know that our people are not going to be abandoned. That is why we came into the last village to see things for ourselves
“We want the United Nations to go back and re-delineate and conclude what they started in 2013 because it has not been concluded,” said Itam.
In his response, the village head of Danare, Chief Achibal Gabor said his people needed security presence at the land border between their community and Cameroon.
“We want the land border protected. We don’t want to see any Cameroonian crossing to our land without checks because they will continue to unleash violence on us. If you know that we belong to Nigeria, then do something now,” said Gabor.
Besides, the youths’ leader, Mr. Jabim Kekung commended the government for the quick response and requested for the community’s protection from the aggressors.
“We commend the government for sending this delegation. We have recorded casualties. At least 15 lives have so far been lost. We are living in fear; now that government is here, please help us,” he said.
