BY ANIETIE AKPAN
THE Cross River State Government has raised the alarm over the invasion of its communities by bandits disguising as miners.
The state’s Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce Committee, in a press release on Sunday, November 23, has accordingly charged residents to be vigilant over the activities bandits disguising as miners to infiltrate local communities.
The warning comes as concerns mount over the increasing presence of individuals from the northern parts of the country, displaced by insecurity in their regions, who are suspected to be exploiting the state’s hospitality for nefarious purposes, the Taskforce said.
Chairman of the Taskforce, Paul Effiong, stressed that while the state welcomes lawful individuals seeking refuge, it will not tolerate criminal elements seeking to destabilise the region, adding: “Security is a collective responsibility.
“We urge all residents to be alert and report any suspicious activities to the authorities immediately.
“The activities of these imposters not only threaten public safety, but also exacerbate the state’s struggle to curb illegal mining, a practice that devastates the environment and undermines economic development.”
Meanwhile, the state government has intensified efforts to combat illegal mining by launching “Operation No Mercy” to tackle violence associated with it, with dozens of suspects arrested in areas, such as Yakurr, Akamkpa and Obanliku.
