Against the background of protests by Obubra community in Cross River State and notable Nigerians over the use of the National Youths Service Corps Orientation camp for the training of repentant militants, the Federal Government still insists on sending ex-militants to the area for the second batch training. This time, the number has been reduced from 2,000 to 600.
It would be recalled that no fewer than 10 under aged girls were defiled and raped in Obubra Local Government of Cross River State by the immediate out- gone repentant militants who were camped for training at National Youths Service Corps orientation camp in Obubra Local Government. Investigations conducted by our correspondent revealed that the repentant militants were reportedly abusing the girls sexually.
The victims, according to our findings, were aged between 12-18 years and were raped at different locations in the area. In one of the instances, the ex-militants took turns to rape their victims. Some of the victims our investigations revealed were hospitalised in privately and government hospitals in the area. One of the victims whose life was in danger was rushed to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital. The victims, who pleaded for anonymity disclosed that they sustained injuries in their private parts.
Already, two of the victims have been reportedly dead while others were still obtaining treatments in various hospitals for different ailments. Besides, raping their victims, the ex-militants, invaded provision stores and markets, carting away assorted property including food stuffs and dangerous weapons including knives and machetes.
While paying a courtesy visit on the Chief Moko Okpo, village head of Ogada II, after inspecting the on going construction and rehabilitation works at the camp, President Goodluck Jonathan represented by Senator Liyel Imoke, Cross River governor appreciated the Ogada II Community, Obubra Local Government Area for hosting the reorientation and transformation training programme for ex-militants in the area.
Delivering the President’s message, Governor Imoke at the palace of Chief Moko Okpo, village head of Ogada II thanked the people for their support. According to Imoke, President Jonathan assured the community that the previous incidents which almost disrupted the programme in the area would not repeat itself as the number of the second batch had been reduced.