Attack on Belegete: Lawmaker asks FG to avert ceding of another part of Nigeria to cameroun

The Member representing, Obanliku/Bekwarra/Obudu Federal Constituency, Hon. (Chief) Peter Akpanke has alerted President Bola Tinubu asking him to act fast and avert the ceding of another part of Nigeria to cameroon just like the Bakassi Peninsula was ceded.
What was originally a border conflict between Cameroon and Nigeria, later affected Bakassi after insurgents made up of local separatists fought against Cameroonian government forces.

Hence Nigeria ceded Bakassi to Cameroon on Aug. 14, 2008 following the Greentree Agreement

The lawmaker who spoke against the backdrop of another horrific attack by suspected Ambazonian militants from the Republic of Cameroon against a border town between Nigeria and Cameroon, Belegete community on the 5th of December, 2023, where 30 persons were abducted.
The Lawmaker explained that, “Beyond the plights brought upon the Belegete people, this unprovoked aggression is a frontal attack on the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
“The Nigerian government needs to take urgent and drastic action to forestall a repeat of what happened in the southern border where Nigeria lost part of its rich territory to Cameroon.
“It should be treated as a case of once bitten, twice shy.
He therefore urged the Federal Government to use diplomacy to free 30 Nigerians Abducted by Camerounians.
Explaining further he said,
“These separatists held the people in the community hostage for over 24 hours, inflicting pain and suffering through gun violence, physical assault, and the destruction of properties worth millions of naira.
Addressing journalists on Friday on behalf of the Cross River federal lawmakers in the National Assembly,

pleaded with Tinubu to wade into the matter to seek the release of the Nigerian hostages.

He said, “As some of you may be aware, my parents, siblings and children of the Belegete extraction witnessed the saddest day of our existence recently when armed separatists from the Republic of The Cameroons whom have been named Ambazonians attacked the sleepy and peaceful community of Belegete on the 5th day of December 2023.
“Belegete community is a Nigerian border village between Nigeria and Cameroon within the edges of the Obanliku plateau in the hinterland of the Obudu Mountain Resort.
“It is located about 400 kilometres north of the Nigerian port city of Calabar. The community has been under siege by Ambazonian bandits since Tuesday 5th December 2023.
“The bandits have continued to shoot sporadically, beating and carting away people and valuable property to their camp across the border River between Nigeria and Cameron.
“Among the over 30 people abducted is Chief Ogweshi Francis, the Clan Head of Belegete Clan. Apart from those taken captive, several other men, women and children have been abused, injured and emotionally traumatized.
“The area where this barbaric and dastard attack is being unleashed is the ancestral home of the Belegete people. They have inhabited the place for several centuries as law-abiding citizens of Nigeria.
“They have lived peacefully and harmoniously with their far and near neighbours. There is therefore no justification whatsoever for this external invasion on Nigeria’s territory and the disruption of the life of her citizens.
“The international community must also take notice of this incident and extend their support to Nigeria in its efforts to maintain peace and security on its borders. We call for strict intervention from international organizations to prevent further violence and displacement.”
The federal lawmaker assured the people of the state that the National Assembly would not rest until justice is served and the safety of our people is guaranteed. I will continue to raise my voice in condemnation of this attack and demand accountability from those responsible.
Peter Akpanke said, “We, the people of Obanliku/Bekwarra/Obudu Federal Constituency, are resilient and will not be broken by this tragedy.
“We stand united in our resolve for peace and justice. Together, we will overcome this challenge and rebuild our dear community stronger than ever before.