Food and materials worth millions of naira were distributed to Cameroonian refugees residing in Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River.
The food and materials were provided by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons on Sunday in Ikom.
The items distributed to more than 600 refugees included rice, beans, garri, groundnut, palm oil, mattresses, cooking stoves and bed sheets.
Speaking during the exercise, the Federal Commissioner of the Refugee Commission, Mrs. Sadiya Umar-Farouq, said the gesture was in line with federal government’s agenda of providing succour to asylum seekers in Nigeria.
The refugees are scattered in Obanliku, Etung, Boki, Ikom and Obudu local government areas of the state.
Her words: “The attention of federal government was drawn to the symbolic declaration of Sovereign State and Independence of Ambazonia by Anglophone Cameroonians through the hoisting of flags and national anthem in strategic locations in Cameroon onOctober1.
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“This action culminated in repressive attacks by government security agents on armless civilians, destruction of property and arbitrary arrest and detention of mass population.
“The consequences of such attack has been the remarkable influx of Cameroonians into the bordering towns of Ikom, Obudu, Boki, Etung and Obudu in Cross River, Gembu in Taraba and other surrounding locations.”
She stressed the resolve of the government to continue to ensure security and succour to refugees.
The Director of Rhema Care, Mr Eric Shu, also spoke at the occasion.
His words: “Our objective is to work and collaborate with the refugee commission in rehabilitating and registering the refugees that are flowing in from Cameroon.
“From September 22 that they started arriving in Nigeria, we registered well over 6,000 Cameroonians. Our main duty here is to ensure their welfare and security.”
On his part, the Director-General of Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. John Inaku, implored refugees to be law-abiding.
In his response on behalf of others, a refugee, Mr. Mark Pongo, expressed appreciation for the gesture of the government.
