Cross River: Tension in Etung as armed illegal miners invade Mkpot community

Tension has gripped Mkpot community in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State following the reported invasion of the area by armed illegal miners engaged in unlawful gold extraction.
Chairman of the State Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce, Prince Paul Effiong Okon, confirmed the infiltration, saying his team was aware of the development though no arrests have been made yet.

Residents said the miners, believed to be from outside the state, arrived recently and have since commenced unauthorized mining activities in the community.

Legal practitioner and community stakeholder, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, also confirmed the incident, expressing serious concern over what he described as the absence of proactive oversight by local government chairmen across the state.

In a statement on Tuesday, Obono-Obla said the situation in Mkpot could have been promptly addressed if the Chairman of Etung LGA had been more present and responsive to developments in the area.

He warned that unchecked exploitation of mineral resources not only threatens the ecological balance and safety of host communities but also undermines the state’s economic interests.

“It is imperative that relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Solid Minerals, the Cross River State Government, and security agencies, take immediate action to halt these illegal operations and safeguard the rights of indigenous communities,” he stated.

He further urged all stakeholders to treat the matter with urgency and ensure that the rule of law prevails in the management and protection of Nigeria’s mineral wealth.

Illegal mining of solid minerals in Cross River was first reported in Akamkpa, Yakurr, and Biase Local Government Areas but has now alarmingly spread to other parts of the state, including Etung.