Rising insecurity linked to the activities of truants, street gangs, and the increasing numbers of refugees and migrants from neighboring countries have forced residents in Cross River State to raise alarm over their safety.
Speaking on FAD Radio in Calabar, hundreds of callers recounted troubling encounters with teenage gangs known locally as Skolombo Boys and Iron Condemned.
These groups have allegedly broken into many private residences, stealing items such as steel pots, iron rods, electric cables, and aluminum materials, leaving many residents feeling unsafe in their own homes.
Lamenting over the large influxes of migrants and refugees from countries like Niger, Cameroon and the Sahel region, they alleged that the country’s borders are very porous, which reason these illegal migrants and refugees flood into Cross River and other nearby states.
They disclosed that the irregular migrants pose very serious security threats to Nigeria and amount severe pressures on the local economy and infrastructure to the detriment of indigenes.
“Nigeria’s borders are very porous. The Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, needs to step up their actions. Irregular migrants parade our streets freely, whereas Nigerians cannot do so in many countries. Many of these migrants and refugees are reported to be involved in criminal activities,”; one caller who gave his name as a Matthew Aklan said.
A discussant, Barrister Owen as well as radio host, Zack Jimmy appealed for NIS and other security agencies to pay greater attention to the thousands of men from northern parts of the country and the Sahel region which are reportedly all over the forests in the guise of mining.
According to another caller, Zachery Umo, there are so many Fulanis in our forests. Their presence is suspicious.”;
He recalled how Okada rider of foreign descent, waylaid a resident, attempting to stab him with a dagger last weekend in Calabar.
A few days ago, the state governor, Bassey Otu, seriously lamented the large presence of refugees and such immigrants.
He said there are over 50,000 refugees and the sheer number has impacted the state economy, calling on International organization for Migration, IOM, and federal authorities to intervene with help.
He maintained that the growing humanitarian burden was taking a toll on his government.
“Migration may come with opportunities globally, but in our context, it’s a heavy humanitarian and economic burden. Cross River has become a refuge for thousands fleeing conflict and we are struggling to keep up,”; the governor said.
“Cross River is one of the most peaceful and socially organized states in Nigeria. We are eager to collaborate with partners like IOM to turn our challenges into opportunities,”; he noted.
The IOM Chief of Mission to Nigeria, Dimanche Sharon assured the governor of her organization’s readiness to partner with the state
