Cameroonian Separatists invasion: Nigeria’s sovereignty under threat — Senate
…Traditional ruler, residents killed
By Moses Adeniyi
Fresh security threat posing external aggression against the Sovereignty of Nigeria have surfaced with the killing of Nigerians by armed men believed to be Ambazonia separatists from Southern Cameroon.
In reaction to the development, the Senate on Wednesday said that the Sovereignty of Nigeria as a Country is under threat, with the attack on Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria’s North East geo-political zone by the Ambazonia separatists from Southern Cameroon.
With the attack on Manga Community in Takum Local Government Area, the Senate feared the encroachment on the territorial space of Nigeria was an external aggression that puts the Country’s sovereignty under threat.
The Upper Chamber, which held a minute silence in honour of those killed by the Cameroonian separatists, during plenary, has called on the military to the p swing into action to foreclose possible occupation of Manga community by the separatists.
The red chamber on Wednesday came to the resolution following a Point of Order raised by the Deputy Senate Minority Leader, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha (Peoples’ Democratic Party), Taraba South who drew the attention of the Lawmakers to the threat.
Bwacha who bemoaned the killing of the Village Head of Manga community and some residents, narrated that the invasion of the community by the separatists from neighbouring Cameroon led to the sack of residents of Manga village, noting that the affected village is 20 kilometers away from Kashimbilla Dam.
He lamented that the attacked have left many missing, their whereabouts yet unknown, while the village also was razed down.
The Lawmaker who lamented that Takum houses the 23 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, challenged President Muhammadu Buhari in his submission that the Nigerian Army should rise to curb what he described as a “wanton territorial expansion.”
“I rise this morning to draw the attention of our Country men, and particularly our security agencies to this unfortunate incident which undermines our integrity and sovereignty as a nation.
“Takum Local Government houses the 23 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, and so Mr. President, it is my humble submission that the Nigerian Army should rise to the challenge and curb this wanton territorial expansion.
“Their (Separatists) motive is yet unknown, whether they want to expand territory or lay claim for Southwest Cameroon is not yet clear.
“As I speak, a number of individuals have gone missing and their whereabouts are yet unknown. The village also is razed down.”
Not less than 11 persons including a Traditional Ruler were reported killed in the incident that took place in the early hours of Wednesday at Manga village, Takum Local Government Area, Taraba State which borders the Republic of Cameroon.
The Ambazonian soldiers reportedly attacked a border community on the other side of the divide in Cameroon republic before crossing over to Nigeria to unleash mayhem.
It was gathered the gunmen laid ambush on the traditional ruler in his palace before proceeding to kill others.
