The Ambazonia rebels fighting in southwest Cameroon for sovereignty have reportedly invaded Okwa community, in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Okwa is located at the border with Southwest Cameroon within the Gorilla Protection Unit of the Okwangwo Division of the Cross River National Park.
Two weeks ago, they took over Belegete community in Obanliku LGA, neighbouring community to Okwa, abducted over 40 natives, killed a clan head, Chief Francis Okweshi, raped women, burnt houses and occupied it for over a week.
The House of Representatives member for Ikom/Boki federal constituency, Victor Abang confirmed the invasion in a statement signed by his media aide, Simon Abang.
Abang said the continued invasion of parts of the State was a high level security threat on the country’s national boundary which must stop.
The Reps member said the latest invasion showed there was a plan by the bandits to cause mayhem in the area.
He recounted instances where the Cameroonian terrorists have made dangerous incursions into Boki LGA, saying they faced a severe security threat from them.
“On December 17, 2023, these aggressors invaded the community, causing panic by firing indiscriminately, issuing threats, and restricting locals from accessing their farmland without cause.
“This incident follows the tragic execution of Chief Ogweshi Francis Ongwele in Belegette, a neighboring community, resulting in injuries, kidnappings, and destruction of properties; this must stop,” he warned.
He said the invaders’ actions have instilled fear, leading villagers to desert their homes and become refugees in neighboring communities.
He cautioned that if prompt measures were not implemented to safeguard the borderlands, there was an impending risk of jeopardizing the lives and livelihood of Nigerians living on the borderline communities to Cameroon.
He called on President Bola Tinubu, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to deploy military forces to Okwa to safeguard Nigerian territorial integrity and citizens’ lives in the area.
“Additionally, diplomatic efforts must be initiated with Cameroon for a peaceful resolution of the security challenges,” he said
