Calabar — Following the continuous harassment of Bakassi natives by Cameroun gendarmes in the ceded Bakassi Peninsula, over 700 Cross Riverians who were still doing businesses in the area together with their children weekend fled the area.

Receiving the returnees at Ekpri Ikang, the new Bakassi headquarters, Secretary to the Cross River State Government (SSG), Mr. Fidelis Ugbo lamented the ordeals faced by the returnees, the circumstances which led to their displacement and the attendant inhuman treatments they were now subjected to in the hands of the Cameroun gendarmes.

He reassured them of the state government's commitment to ameliorate their plights.

The SSG said that in addition to the food, accommodation, toiletries and water, a health facility would soon be made available by the Ministry of Health for their health needs.

Besides, he informed that the state government was collaborating effectively with the federal government to address the incessant harassment of Nigerian fishermen in the peninsula by the Cameroon Gendarmes.

Ugbo therefore appealed to the victims to remain peaceful and abide strictly by the camp rules as government was doing everything possible to give them comfort.

"Nigerian government would not for any reason abandon her own," he said, stressing that arrangements would be made to engage them in skills and vocational trainings that would sustain their livelihood.

The SSG commended the Director-General of the state's Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr. Vincent Aquah for his astuteness as demonstrated by the high level of commitment to the plights of the Returnees.

He used the opportunity to express gratitude to the police and other security operatives that have been providing security at the camp.

Earlier, the President of the National Union of Nigerians in Cameroun, Chief Andrew Essien narrated how they were subjected to all manner of inhuman treatments by the Cameroun gendarmes, even when they tried their best to abide by the laws of the land.

Chief Essien explained that since the inhuman treatment worsened and became more unbearable , they had to flee the peninsula to save their lives.

He thanked the Cross River State government for the warm reception and promises made to provide shelter and engage them in vocational trainings for them to learn trades of their choices and thereby sustain their lives.

He also commended SEMA Director-General for the remedial actions he took to accommodate them, clothe and feed them.

The SSG later inspected the camp facilities guided by the DG SEMA, Mr. Aquah.

It would be recalled that over 300 fishermen had fled the Bakassi Peninsula about two weeks ago as a result of maltreatments, unwarranted attacks, torture and victimization by the Cameroun gendarmes.

By the latest development, the number of Bakassi returness has increased to over 1000.