Leading stakeholders from Cross River State have visited victims of the Ambazonian separatist struggle at the Obudu Ranch Resort IDP Camp, assuring them that they would secure justice and their safe return to their homes.
Some of the relief items donated to the IDPs from Belegete currently at Obudu Ranch camp
Their visit is sequel to the December 5, 2023 attack on Belegete Community in Obanliku Local Government of the Cross River during which armed men suspected to be members of the Ambazonian separatists from nearby Cameroon razed homes in the community.
Although they were repelled by Nigerian military personnel who were called in, they would later return to wreak more havoc, this time taking along with them the community’s head, who was later confirmed killed. This incidence led to mass relocation of the community members to other villages, including Obudu where an a camp was opened for the people displaced.
During the visit to the IDPs Camp, the team of stakeholder in the state led by frontline community development advocate, Dr. Dorn Cklaimz Enamhe, bemoaned the intractable clashes which have rendered many indigenes homeless, noting that it was the second visit to the displaced persons at the Obudu Ranch Resort.
The delegation made a commitment to continue to support the Belegete IDPs. It donated items such as wrappers for the women, mosquito nets, foams, warm clothing and outing clothing. The team also visited with a medical team which carried out tests and provided treatment for the displaced persons.
Enamhe reiterated the group’s commitment to alleviate the suffering of the Belegete people, urging other stakeholders to focus on understanding the root causes of the crisis “in order to meaningfully engage government to mitigate the plight of the displaced persons.”
Belegete IDPs take delivery of reief materials donated by a team of Cross River Stakeholders led by Dr. Dorn Cklaimz Enamhe
He emphasized the importance of cultural identity and regional unity, echoing the communal values passed down by their forefathers.
He noted that “By continuing their efforts, the group aims to reintegrate the Belegete people into the mainstream Cross River North community and provide them with a renewed sense of belonging.”
He noted that while engaging the displaced persons during the visits on January 4 and 5, “it became evident that the challenges faced by the IDPs extended beyond the initial crisis. The harsh weather conditions and inadequate supplies are taking a toll, leading to unfortunate deaths within the community.” The delegation expressed solidarity with the people of Belegete and reassured them of ongoing support.
Enamhe stated that the Belegete community despite its peaceful nature found itself thrust into the complexities of a regional border crisis, adding that the residents were caught off guard by the violent attack on their village. “Their readiness to return to their homeland demonstrated a strong desire to reclaim their natural habitat despite the hardships faced at the Obudu Ranch Resort,” he observed.
He noted that “the second visit of the Who is Who of Cross River North group reinforced their commitment to providing targeted assistance to the Belegete IDPs. The items presented, coupled with the ongoing engagement with the community, aim to contribute to the healing and eventual reintegration of the Belegete people into the broader Cross River North community.”
Other members of the delegation are Prof. John Undie, Dr. Isaac Ishamali, Dr. (Mrs.) Mary Mark Ogbeche, Dr. (Mrs.) Martina Ntino, and Mr. Roland Ugeh.