The Cross River State House of Assembly has commenced an investigation into alleged prostitution, drug dealing and other criminal activities at the Temporary Tanker Park along Lemna Road, Calabar.
The probe followed a petition by landlords and residents of the area, who alleged that the facility, originally established as a temporary park for tanker drivers, had become a security and environmental threat to the host community.
The petitioners alleged that prostitution, sexual exploitation of young girls, illicit drug dealing, cultism, armed robbery, internet fraud and illegal foreign exchange activities were being carried out at the facility.
They further alleged that the area was being used to harbour suspected criminals and facilitate child trafficking, including the alleged sale of newborn babies.
The residents consequently urged the Assembly to direct relevant security and law enforcement agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and the National Intelligence Agency, to conduct a joint investigation into the allegations.
They also called for the demolition of illegal structures within the facility that could pose a threat to public safety.
Contributing to the debate on the petition, a member of the House, Mercy Akpama, on Wednesday commended the residents for bringing their concerns before the legislature.
Akpama expressed concern over the allegations and stressed the need to protect vulnerable persons from exploitation. She called for a thorough investigation and appropriate sanctions where wrongdoing was established.
Another lawmaker, Thomas Aruku, said he was familiar with the security challenges in the area, noting that movement around the vicinity had become difficult at night.
Aruku also alleged that public infrastructure, including streetlights, had been vandalised, further worsening the security situation.
The Deputy Leader of the House, Davies Etta, said the facility was originally provided by the state government as a temporary location for tanker drivers but had allegedly been put to uses beyond its intended purpose.
Etta called for an on-the-spot assessment of the facility and expressed concern over its sanitary condition.
Other lawmakers stressed the need to verify the allegations and take appropriate legal and administrative action if they were established.
They noted that Cross River was known for its cleanliness, orderliness and tourism, insisting that activities capable of undermining public safety and the state’s image should not be tolerated.
The Speaker of the House, Elvert Ayambem, said the Assembly would not condone activities that threatened public safety and public health.
Ayambem condemned the alleged social vices at the facility and pledged the commitment of the 10th Assembly to supporting the executive in providing effective governance.
He assured that the Assembly would liaise with relevant security agencies to investigate the petition and take necessary legislative action.
The lawmakers subsequently embarked on an oversight visit to the tanker park to ascertain the situation on the ground.
Following the visit, the lawmakers condemned the situation at the facility and vowed to work towards improving conditions in the area.