Landlords and residents of Lemna community in Calabar, Cross River State, have petitioned the Cross River State House of Assembly over alleged criminal activities at the Temporary Tanker Park in the area.
Key Highlights
- Lemna residents petition Cross River State House of Assembly over alleged criminal activities at a tanker park.
- Petitioners allege prostitution, sexual exploitation, drug dealing and cultism at the facility.
- Residents also alleged child trafficking and the sale of newborn babies.
- Lawmakers called for a joint investigation by security and relevant government agencies.
- The Assembly has undertaken an oversight visit to the tanker park to assess the situation.
- Speaker Elvert Ayambem pledged legislative action if wrongdoing is established.
Residents Raise Alarm Over Alleged Criminal Activities
According to the petitioners, the Temporary Tanker Park, which was originally established as a temporary holding area for tanker drivers, has allegedly become a source of security and environmental concerns for residents of Lemna community.
The allegations include prostitution and sexual exploitation of young girls, illicit drug dealings, cultism, harbouring of suspected criminals, armed robbery, internet fraud and illegal foreign exchange transactions.
The petitioners further alleged that the facility was being used for child trafficking, including the alleged sale of newborn babies.
The allegations have not been independently established, and lawmakers have called for a thorough investigation to determine the facts.
Residents Demand Joint Security Investigation
The petitioners urged the Cross River State House of Assembly to direct relevant security and government agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation into activities at the facility.
They specifically called for the involvement of the Nigeria Police Force, National Intelligence Agency, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Homeland Security and other relevant agencies.
They also called for the demolition of illegal structures within the facility where such structures are found to pose a threat to public safety and peaceful coexistence.
Lawmaker Raises Security Concerns
The petition was presented before the House by Hon. Thomas Aruku and considered during plenary.
Aruku, who disclosed that he resides in the area, expressed concern over the security situation around the tanker park.
He said movement around the vicinity at night had become increasingly difficult, while the vandalisation of public infrastructure, including streetlights, had further worsened security challenges.
Lawmakers Demand Investigation
Contributing to the debate, Hon. Mercy Akpama commended the residents for bringing their concerns before the Assembly.
Akpama stressed the responsibility of government to protect vulnerable people from exploitation and called for a thorough investigation of the allegations.
She also urged that appropriate sanctions be imposed if wrongdoing is established.
The Deputy Leader of the House, Hon. Davies Etta, said the facility was originally provided by the state government as a temporary location for trailer drivers but had allegedly been used beyond its intended purpose.
Etta called for an on-the-spot assessment of the facility and also expressed concern about its sanitary condition.
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Cross River Assembly Conducts Oversight Visit
Other lawmakers emphasised the need to protect Cross River State’s reputation for cleanliness, orderliness and tourism.
They urged relevant authorities to verify the allegations and take appropriate legal and administrative action if they are found to be true.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, said the Assembly would not tolerate activities capable of threatening public safety and public health.
Ayambem condemned the alleged social vices at the facility and reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th Assembly to supporting the executive in providing effective governance and improving residents’ welfare.
He assured the House that the Assembly would liaise with relevant security agencies to investigate the allegations and take necessary legislative action.
Assembly Members Inspect Tanker Park
Following the debate, lawmakers embarked on an oversight visit to the Temporary Tanker Park to assess the situation.
After the visit, members expressed concern over conditions at the facility and pledged to pursue measures aimed at improving the situation.
The Assembly is expected to work with relevant security and government agencies as investigations into the allegations continue.
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