TWENTY-ONE years after losing the oil-rich Bakassi Peninisula to the Republic of Cameroon, Nigeria is on the verge of losing more local councils and communities to the Francophine country.
While Bakasi was lost at the International Court of Justice in the Hague, in 2002, no fewer than three LGAs may be lost via conquests.
In a shocking act of violence, Ambazonian separatists, who are fighting with Cameroon for freedom, have launched a brutal attack on the peaceful community of Belegete in Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Other LGAs affected are Boki and Etung.
The assailants struck, last Tuesday, December 5, and also at the weekend, leaving a trail of death and destruction in their wake.
Confirming the devastating incident, Mr. Peter Akpanke, the House of Representatives member representing Obanliku/Bekwarra/Obudu Federal Constituency, expressed deep anguish over the merciless assault.
Speaking with Vanguard, he condemned the heinous actions of the Ambazonian separatists, emphasizing the urgent need for international intervention and the support of the Federal Government.
According to Akpanke, a traditional ruler, HRH Chief Ogweshi Francis, was killed during the onslaught. His corpse was found in a nearby river where he was dumped by his killers.
“The separatists showed no mercy, abducting an additional 29 individuals from the Belegete community.”
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Akpante said: “I’m calling upon the international community to intervene promptly and collaborate with the Nigerian government in apprehending the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.”
He also stressed that such acts of violence, which disrupt the peace and stability of local communities, cannot be tolerated.
Vanguard gathered that many Nigerians have fled the community in the face of the attacks, with many seeking refuge in a nearby ranch.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Erasmus Ekpang, told Vanguard on telephone that some of the victims, traumatized by the horrific events, are in dire need of support and protection.
Acknowledging the urgency of the situation, the commissioner assured the public that the government was actively engaging in measures to assist and safeguard those affected.
Vanguard gathered that the Ambazonian separatists, known for their campaign for the independence of the English-speaking regions of Cameroon, have been increasingly carrying out violent attacks in bordering territories including three LGAs in Cross River State- Boki, Obanliku and Etung.
The Belegete incident marks a grave escalation in their aggression, with innocent civilians becoming the direct targets of their brutality.
Credit: Vanguard News Nigeria