Governor Okalia, first Governor to get to Akwaya by road

Okalia Bilai Bernard, Governor of the South West Region has told Nigerian refugees in Akwaya that the Cameroon government is finalising plans to ensure that they are transported and assisted to return back to their homes in Nigeria.

Speaking in Akwaya, Wednesday, December 10, on the first lap of his socio-economic tour of Manyu Division, the governor told the refugees they have not been abandoned by government.

Ayuri Austin, Divisional Officer for Akwaya disclosed to the governor that upon arrival in Akwaya in March 2013, the refugees received food aid and other forms of support from the United Nations Refugees Agency and Plan Cameroon. Though some of the refugees said they were much comfortable in Cameroon and would love to stay, Okalia said government will look into that, but urged the refugees to be vigilant so that Boko Haram militants do not infiltrate their ranks.

He also advised them to observe best hygiene practices so as to bar cholera and the dreaded Ebola virus.

Simon Anja, Senator for Akwaya and Chief of Bantakpa puts the number of refugees at close to 4,000.

He said the refugees are spread over Balin, Bakinju I, Bakinju II and Ejobo villages and apart from the food aid they receive; they largely are living on the benevolence of the locals.

It is important to observe here that Governor Okalia is the first ever governor of the South West Region to have entered Akawaya by road without going through Nigeria. The journey through Bamenda to Akwaya took well over nine hours.

The governor promised the people that government is doing all to ensure that the roads to Akwaya are made passable; so that those moving into and out of Akwaya will not have to go through Nigeria.

He urged the people to avoid inter-communal conflicts, challenging them to show mutual respect and live in peace with their neighbours.