Cameroon refugees invading Cross River through Boki Communities

Over 6,000 refugees from Cameroon are squatting at border communities in Obanliku and Boki local governments of Cross River State due to crisis.

This followed agitation for the independence of Southern Cameroon.

The refugees comprise mostly women and children. They  lack basic needs.

State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) said over 50 of the refugees were expectant mothers without medical care.

“Most of them are accommodated by the community people, with some households taking care of 20 refugees.”

Although the community leaders said they were happy to provide for the refugees, they complained that their facilities had been overstretched and will require assistance from relevant authorities.

The Clan Head of Utanga, one of the communities invaded by the refugees, Chief Joseph Suhumba, said they were hosts to over 1,000 refugees, adding that their facilities have been overstretched.

He said the community incurred debts in the last two weeks caring for them, and urged the government to take over.

Suhumba said the refugees, whose population increase everyday, required medical treatment, shelter, food, mattresses, beddings, towels, toiletries and others.

An ex-Post Master of Akwaya in Cameroon, Mr. Toko Zacharia, said he had been in Utanga for about two weeks following an alleged plan by the Cameroonian authorities to arrest him for his part in the agitation for the independence of Southern Cameroon.

Another refugee, Mr. Abia Hillary, said he spent days in the bush without food, adding that he drank from springs.

He lamented the condition of his family, who he feared may be victimised, following his escape.

Agba Christopher, a refugee, alleged that he was lucky, as youths in Akwaya community in Cameroon were killed by Cameroonian soldiers.

He hailed Nigerians for their hospitality despite the  challenges of shelter, food and medical.

SEMA’s Director-General  Mr. John Inaku said the government was aware of their  challenges, adding that the collaboration with the United Nations’ agencies will give the people succour.

Inaku hailed the host communities for their magnanimity.