Cross River Community Laments Presence Of Cameroonian Soldiers

The Bashu community in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State, a stone throw from Cameroon, has lamented the heavy presence of soldiers from that country in their community.

They have also cried out over incessant security violations by the gendarmes and their nationals trying to flee from hostilities in their country.

A youth leader in the community, Comrade James Enu, who spoke to reporters, said Cameroonian soldiers have frequently crossed into their village and surrounding hamlets in search of their nationals who are said to be hiding in the area.

He said they have no security post aside from the two Immigration checkpoints, which he said are being manned by the community’s vigilante group and six immigration officials.

“We would like to request that the Federal and State Governments help us beef up security in the surrounding border communities, especially ours.  We need a Police station and a barrack.  Even the immigration checkpoints are being invaded by the Cameroonians, especially those seeking refuge.  The huge number of Cameroonian soldiers in our communities is too much,” he said.

He disclosed that the first checkpoint they erected leads to Cameroon villages/towns of Manfe, Douala, while the second leads to Ekugusum, Kajifum, Yaounde and Boya in Cameroon.

“Most of these communities use these routes to enter our State but when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, we decided to lock the road.

“In the Cameroonian villages, their soldiers are there in thousands and most times when they shoot, we are filled with fear, so we need more Government efforts,” he stated.

Governor Ben Ayade has previously lamented that there are over 30 illegal routes, which gun runners from Cameroon smuggle arms through the State.

The Permanent Secretary in charge of State Security in the Governor’s office, Dr. Alfred Mboto, said he was not aware of the development. He said his officials have been stationed in the area and had not reported that to him.