Residents of Ifumkpa, Akamkpa LGA, Cross River State, have expressed concern over the presence of numerous illegal foreign gold miners in their community. Community leaders have reported that these miners operate without paying royalties to the community.
Chief Cletus Ibuni, village head of Ifumkpa, stated that the miners have influenced local youths, who now threaten and assault community members who question their activities. “They have taken over our forests and don’t engage with us,” said Ibuni. “They deal only with certain youths, who they bribe.”
Despite reporting the situation to authorities, including the state government, the Minister of Mines and Steel, and the Cross River National Park Service, no significant action has been taken. Ibuni acknowledged that the community is aware of illegal wood logging, but they receive a “gate fee” of N5,000 for each log that leaves the community.
Meanwhile, investigations have revealed that an ounce of raw gold fetches N70,000 at the nearby Tipper Garage.
Efforts by the Cross River Conservator of Parks, Mrs Caroline Olory, and soldiers to conduct surveillance actions in the forest have resulted in some arrests. However, the situation remains unresolved, leaving the community in fear of ongoing illegal activities and the depletion of their natural resources.
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