The Cross River State House of Assembly has called for a comprehensive investigation into alleged criminal activities at the Tanker Park along Lemna Road, Calabar, following a petition submitted by landlords and residents of the area.
The petition, presented and considered during plenary, alleged that the facility, originally established as a temporary parking area for tanker and trailer operators, had become a source of security and environmental concerns for the surrounding community.
The petitioners alleged that the facility was being used for activities including prostitution and the sexual exploitation of young girls, illicit drug transactions, cultism, harbouring of suspected criminals, armed robbery, internet fraud and illegal foreign exchange dealings.
They further alleged that the location was being used for child trafficking and the sale of newborn babies, urging the Assembly to intervene urgently.
The petitioners asked the House to direct relevant agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, National Intelligence Agency, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Homeland Security and other appropriate authorities, to conduct a joint investigation into the allegations.
They also called for the removal or demolition of illegal structures identified as threats to public safety and order.
Contributing to the debate, Hon. Mercy Akpama commended the petitioners for bringing their concerns before the Assembly. She expressed concern over the allegations and stressed the responsibility of government to protect vulnerable persons from exploitation. She called for a thorough investigation and appropriate sanctions where wrongdoing is established.
Hon. Thomas Aruku, who said he resides in the area, said he was familiar with some of the security challenges around the facility. He noted that movement within the vicinity at night had become difficult and disclosed that public infrastructure, including streetlights, had reportedly been vandalised, further worsening the situation.
The Deputy Leader of the House, Hon. Davies Etta, said the facility was originally provided by the State Government as a temporary location for trailer drivers. He expressed concern that the facility may have been put to uses beyond its original purpose and called for an on-the-spot assessment of the area, particularly its sanitary condition.
Other lawmakers stressed the need to preserve Cross River State’s reputation for cleanliness, orderliness and tourism. They maintained that the allegations should be properly investigated and that appropriate legal or administrative measures should follow where the claims are established.
In his remarks, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, said the Assembly would not condone activities that threaten public safety or public health.
He expressed concern over the alleged social vices at the facility and reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th Assembly to working with the Executive and relevant institutions to strengthen governance and improve living conditions across the state.
The Speaker further assured that the Assembly would engage relevant security and regulatory agencies to investigate the petition and take appropriate legislative action based on the findings.
Following the deliberations, members of the House embarked on an oversight visit to the Tanker Park to assess the situation on the ground.
During the visit, lawmakers expressed concern over the conditions observed at the facility and called for urgent measures to address identified security, environmental and public health concerns.
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