The security, health and education situation in the Bakassi Peninsula has become even more compelling due to the activities of militants and sea pirates.
This was noted by the Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Vincent Gbaranwi, who represented the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Olusola Oluwagbire during an outreach in Ine Utang in the Dayspring community of Bakassi Peninsula.
Commodore Gbaranwi said the Navy was moved by the plight of Nigerians living in that community where they are exposed to abject penury, hunger, and assorted health issues as well as incursions of militants.
“From our various assessments and reports, there are compelling issues to deal with in this community, including militancy, hunger and diseases.
“Fortunately, our hierarchy, having noted the dire situation, directed that we should intervene in this community. We’ll continue to do more to see the possibility of alleviating their plights.
“Our intervention is also to deepen the civilian-military relationship under our corporate social responsibility in our area of command.
“We’ve noted that there is no school, no health facility, no security post. The need for medical attention is topmost.”
The Commodore took a tour around the community and noted the precarious situation that the residents faced.
Community leaders who spoke at the event commended the Navy for the food and medical services but lamented that militant attacks were now incessant
They lamented that the criminals were lurking around and as soon as the Navy left, they would pounce on residents to rob them of food or other welfare items provided to them.
Joseph Udoh, one community leader noted that the presence of government in the area has become imperative.
“We are happy for what the Navy has come to do here. We are faced with lots of health issues. More serious is the fact that sea pirates and militants come to attack and kill us almost daily. We pray for regular security surveillance and health posts.”
Over 250 residents, mostly women and children were screened and given medicines, food and mosquito nets.
The fishing community with over 1000 residents including children was recently gutted by fire.
The community has no school, no electricity, no pipe-borne water, medical facilities of any sort nor a security post.
Bakassi residents dealing with compelling social economic, humanitarian issues – Nigerian Navy