Soldiers and forest rangers from Cross River National Park (CRNP) were assaulted by illegal miners while attempting to enforce laws aimed at preserving the park.

The illegal miners reportedly overwhelmed the rangers and damaged one of their rifles.

The incident occurred at Ifumkpa community in Akamkpa LGA, Cross River State, one of the 105 CRNP communities, where the forest has been wantonly devastated as a result of illegal gold mining.

Conservator of Parks in CRNP, Mrs Caroline Olory confirmed the incident in an interview with DAILY POST in Calabar.

She said they, alongside the Nigerian Army personnel, had embarked on routine monitoring of the CRNP, especially the illegal mining sites when the incident happened.

She confirmed that they succeeded in making a handful of arrests of the suspected illegal miners and others that plundered forest resources.

“Due to the rugged terrains of the Park communities, our vehicles and those of the soldiers were stuck.

“It is however untrue that they had overwhelmed our rangers. We were able to make 10 arrests who will be prosecuted,” he said.

She called for more support from all stakeholders towards the protection of the CRNP.

“We’re committed to protecting the CRNP which is the last remaining tropical rainforest in the country. It is the richest of the 25 Biodiversity hotspots. It was recently declared Forests Biosphere Reserve.

“We encourage all to help in protecting and sustaining this unique and rich Park for the next 50 years and beyond for the sake of our future generations”, she explained.