The Foreign Affairs Ministry has summoned Cameroon’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Amb. Abbas Salahedine to give explanations on the report of maltreatment and killings of Nigerians in the Bakassi Peninsula by Cameroonian Gendarmes
This is contained in a statement by the Ministry’s Acting Spokesperson, Mrs Jane Adams.
It expressed anger on the incident which was said to have been occasioned by alleged non-payment of taxes on fishing activities.
“The ministry has instructed the Nigerian Missions in Yaounde and Buea, to investigate the report with a view to confirming their veracity and inform Headquarters immediately.
“The ministry appeals to the Cameroonian authorities to exercise their duty of care and protection over the people of Bakassi, including other Nigerian citizens in the area,” the statement said.
Around 100 Nigerians were reportedly killed as Cameroon gendarmes allegedly attacked residents of Bakassi over failure to pay a N100,000 boat levy.
The attackers sacked mainly Nigerians from Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Ondo state.
Many others were however said to have escaped at midnight with their fishing boats and arrived at Ikang in Bakassi and Ibaka in Akwa Ibom.
Meanehile, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday ordered security agencies to take urgent steps to avert further breakdown of law and order in Yala Local Government of Cross River.
The order followed violence between the Wanikade and Wanihem communities which led to loss of lives and property.
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