Request for Prompt Action to Address Nigeria-Cameroon Refugee Crisis and Environmental Pollution Resulting from Gold Mining in Benue State

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The House of Representatives has issued a plea for immediate intervention in the Nigeria-Cameroon refugee crisis, banditry, and environmental pollution in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State. This urgent call has been prompted by the discovery and exploitation of gold, which has exacerbated the security situation and refugee crisis in the region.

The adoption of a motion under matters of urgent national importance was led by Rep. Terseer Ugbor (APC, Benue) during a plenary session on Tuesday. In his presentation, Ugbor highlighted the violent attacks and clashes that have afflicted Kwande Local Government Area, resulting in numerous fatalities, injuries, and displacements, and endangering the livelihoods of the residents. The situation has been further complicated by the Anglophone crisis in Cameroon, which has led to a refugee crisis at the Nigerian-Cameroon border in Kwande Local Government.

The House of Representatives has tasked various governmental bodies with taking immediate action on this pressing issue. The National Security Adviser and other Security Agencies have been urged to assess the security situation within the region and at the Nigerian-Cameroonian border areas in Benue. Urgent and proactive measures must be implemented to prevent further deterioration of peace and security in the area.

Additionally, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons has been assigned the responsibility of addressing the Cameroonian refugee situation and the internally displaced persons in the country. The objective is to consider either permanent resettlement within Nigeria or relocation to their communities.

The precarious security situation has been exacerbated by the discovery of gold, Lithium, and other precious minerals in Benue State. Rep. Ugbor expressed concern that without immediate action, Benue State could become a hotspot for banditry, similar to the situation in Zamfara State, as illegal mining activities continue to perpetuate security unrest and environmental pollution.

In response to this, the House of Representatives has called upon the Nigerian Immigration and Nigerian Customs Service to establish an international border post and relevant infrastructure to enhance commerce and trade between Nigeria and Cameroon. This move aims to boost economic activities and hopefully mitigate the ongoing crisis.

The situation in Kwande Local Government Area is critical, and immediate intervention is necessary to address the Nigeria-Cameroon refugee crisis, banditry, and environmental pollution caused by gold mining. The House of Representatives is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected communities. An immediate response is crucial to prevent further escalation of this complex and multifaceted crisis.

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