“Children as young as five face harrowing violence, including beatings and shootings, from armed militants in ramshackle settlements almost daily. Over the last five months, three reported cases involved shootings, claiming the lives of two children. The dire situation in the Ine Utang fishing settlement, Bakassi, reveals a haunting reality where armed militants forcibly take resources from families, compelling children to assist or face severe consequences. These children, like Chris Akpan and Ubong Etim, share tales of fear and deprivation, highlighting the absence of schools and healthcare facilities.
With a population of over 1500, including a significant number of children, the community lacks basic amenities. Health emergencies require arduous journeys to Calabar, taking nearly two hours by boat. Moreover, recent fires destroyed some homes, leaving affected families displaced.
The complex territorial claims by Cameroon authorities and Nigerian states have left these settlements in a precarious state, controlled by various armed groups. Elders like Mr. Akpan Akpan describe daily threats from militants, emphasizing the absence of government presence and the desperate need for security and healthcare.
Amidst this turmoil, the Nigerian Navy recently conducted a medical outreach, treating over 200 residents. Commander Vincent Gbaranwi acknowledged the dire circumstances and pledged increased surveillance. However, armed groups, such as the Dragon Fighter Marine, continue to assert territorial control, exacerbating the situation and resulting in clashes, leaving innocent civilians, especially children, vulnerable to the ongoing violence.”
