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Bakassi returnees at the Ekpri Obutong
resettlement camp in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State
have been assured of the state government’s assistance to make life
comfortable for them. Liyel Imoke, the state governor, made this known
while on a working visit to the area.

Accompanied by his deputy, Efiok
Cobham, and the director-general State Emergency Management Agency
(SEMA), Vincent Aqua, Mr. Imoke urged the returnees to send their
children to the nearby primary school and directed Saviour Nyong, the
local government chairman, to supply the pupils with books and uniforms.

He also urged the Bakassi Local
Government council to move its legislative arm to the area, as well as
keep the surroundings clean.

Innocent Asuquo Bassey, one of the
returnees, said they are stranded in the area, as they have no means of
livelihood “because the sea is no longer safe for us to fish, following
the harassment by Cameroonian gendarmes”.

Mr. Bassey subsequently appealed that
they be given some financial assistance to start businesses, as they
are no more into fishing, their primary occupation.

He also asked for the provision of a
health centre, primary school, electricity and pipe borne water, to
enable them live a comfortable life.

Mr. Imoke said though the state government could not give all of
them money for business, the government will ease their burden by
providing them with water, electricity, a health centre and financial
assistance, to ease their burdens.