Elders And Chiefs Cry Out As Foreign, Illegal Gold Miners Take Over Community In Cross River

The residents of Ifumkpa, located in Akamkpa LGA within Cross River State, have raised alarm concerning the heavy presence of foreign illegal gold miners inside their community.

Leaders from the community disclosed that gold miners do not pay any royalties.

It was alleged that foreigners have influenced their young people to turn against them. It has resulted in a situation where any time they confront illegal miners, the youths beat them up and make death threats.

The head of the Ifumkpa community, Chief Cletus Ibuni, stated that “We don’t know these people who have invaded our village and taken control over our forests in search for gold. There are so many of them and I’ve been told some of them are armed.”

The village head of Ifumkpa community, Chief Cletus Ibuni, said, “We don’t know these people that have invaded our community and taken over our forests in the name of mining for gold. They are so many, some, I’m told are armed.

“They don’t bother to discuss with us. They don’t pay any royalties to us. They rather prefer to deal with some of our youths, influencing them.

“There was a time we challenged the situation at the risk of our lives. The youths usually overwhelmed and threatened us because they have the energy and backing of the big men behind the gold mining.

“So in order to live, we piped low.”

According to the village leader, they have reported their situation to various authorities such as the state government, Minister of Mines and Steel, and even the Cross River National Park Service (CRNP), but without making any progress.

He added that they are aware of illegal logging of wood in the community.

“We’re aware of the tree falling by timber dealers in our community. They pay us ‘gate fee’ of N5,000 before they exit with the logs.

“With this collection, we have been able to grade our access road to the Ikom federal highway,” he said.

FRESHREPORTERS NEWS learned that upon Investigations, an ounce of raw gold is sold for N70,000 at the nearby Tipper Garage.

Mrs. Caroline Olory, the Conservator of Parks in Cross River, stated that forest rangers from CRNP along with soldiers have conducted surveillance operations within the forest resulting in several arrests being made. [CONTINUE READING HERE]