No fewer than 11 trucks conveying Almajiri’s into Cross River State have been intercepted at the Gakem-Benue border in Bekwarra Local Government Area of the state.

Cross River Government in collaboration with Peace Corps Nigeria intercepted and sent back the 11 trucks carrying Quoranic education pupils “Almajiri” at the Gakem-Benue border in the state.

Head of the taskforce team at the border, Mr Omang-Idiege, told Vanguard on telephone, yesterday that the trucks were turned back at Gakem-Benue border for carrying large numbers of Almajiri against the inter-state lockdown order of the Federal Government.

Idiege, who is the state Commissioner for Youth Development and Skill Acquisition said the 11 trucks were sent back to their places of origin between May 4 to 17, adding that the taskforce had continued to maintain a steady presence at the border.

Idiege said it was the desire of Governor Ben Ayade, to ensure that the state remain Covid-19 free, hence the effective border surveillance.

“President Mohammadu Buhari had announced an interstate lockdown of persons not on essential duties, I wonder why we keep being confronted with trucks at the Gakem-Benue border conveying Almajirai.

“We will not succumb to any form of challenge or gratification to allow any passenger vehicle or truck conveying Almajirai entrance into the state,” he said.

He commended Ayade for his enforcement strategies and directives that have kept the state Covid-19 free since the outbreak of the pandemic in Nigeria.

On his part, Commandant of Peace Corps Nigeria, Dr Dominic Okweche, said that the Corps was driven by passion to protect Cross River borders against the Covid-19 pandemic.

Okweche said that he has deployed over 100 Peace Corps personnel across the state since the Covid-19 taskforce was inaugurated.

BlackSpanner:
This guys have a hidden agenda. I am of the view that all south south and south east Governors should come together to tackle this ticking time bomb.
Let's learn to be proactive and not reactive.


I watched a video on Channels TV some days back when the Army intercepted 35 buses conveying 400 of such people. And looking closely, those guys are not those street begging kids. They are matured guys.

I think the northerners are cooking something and have a sinister plan.

SouthNigerian:


So you guys are woke?

Yo calling on SS & SE Governors to join hands in defeating the imported jihady fighters

Go check my previous comments, if the whole South refuse to Unite at this time... ya all gonna cry hard for been stubborn & arrogant. Your children's children will mount curses on you for refusing to swallow your pride & embrace one another.

The only safe path for the South (SW, SS to the SE) is to join hands together to fight this war looming on our lands.

BeLookingIDIOT:

What are we joining hands for
Every region should take care of itself.The SE can take in all the almajiris for all I care.