By Aaron Ossai
With the loss of Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon some years ago, the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee on International Boundary Dispute between Nigeria and Cameroon has called for swift action to be taken to prevent the loss of another Cross River State territory to Cameroon.
It raised alarm that the Danare and Biajua communities about 7,000 to 10,000 hectares of land in the Boki Area of Cross River State risk being lost to Cameroon again according to a motion by eight out of 10 lawmakers from the state last week.
The lawmakers, in the motion that was presented by Hon Victor Abang, had said this was as a result of the non location of pillar 113A by the Technical Committee of the Cameroon- Nigeria mixed Commission.
The House had deliberated and resolved to constitute the Committee to investigate and assess the case of potential land encroachment by the Cameroonian Government and to ensure a thorough understanding of the security implication of the dispute and of the technical aspects involved in resolving it.
The Chairman of the Ad hoc Committee, Hon. Beni Lar, who addressed reporters yesterday, said the Ad hoc Committee was deeply concerned about the potential loss of a significant landmass and Nigerian citizens residing within it to the Cameroon Republic.
“This alarming possibility follows the previous loss of the Bakassi Peninsula”, Lar said, “underscores the urgent need for immediate action to outline the correct border stretch between the two countries.”
She urged all stakeholders to coordinate a swift resolution of the dispute in order to prevent loss of land and citizens to the Republic of Cameroon adding that the Committee recognized the gravity of the situation and the profound implications it holds for Nigeria’s territorial integrity and the welfare of its citizens.
According to her, a swift resolution is imperative to prevent history from repeating itself and to protect the rights and interests of Nigerians living in the affected areas.
“The Committee wishes to express its appreciation and commendation for the relentless efforts of organizations and individuals who have worked tirelessly to ensure Nigeria is not short-changed in the border dispute which includes Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), National Boundary Commission, Office of the Surveyor General, Office of the Attorney General, The Nigerian Armed Forces, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the Governor of Cross River State for their relentless efforts to ensure Nigeria is not short-changed in the border dispute.
