Benin Republic Invades Kwara Village Residents Cry Out

In Benin Republic to occupy the Nigerian villages, authorities of Benin Republic had gone ahead to construct offices for its gendarmerie (Police station) in the affected communities and also hoisted the country’s flag.
Neighbouring Benin Republic has invaded 16 villages in Okuta, the border town in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, causing fear and tension in the affected communities.

The affected villages include Ogomne, Bwin, Gandasunon, Kpuru and Woru Wuren Kparu.

Others are Ajuba1, Ajuba 2, Saka Yeruman Kparu, Monta, Dotin Kparu, Halidun Kparu, Yakubun Kparu, Sonsi, Gunosani, Alhaji Kparu, Yodo Mankparu and Simen Kparu.

The Emir of Okuta, Alhaji Idris Serio Abubakar, who confirmed the development in an interview with journalists, said the development also led the Okuta Emirate Council to order the people of Yakparu axis to dismantle the Beninoise flag hoisted in the villages, adding that the flag was currently in the custody of the emirate council in the town.

The monarch appealed to Kwara and Federal Governments to come to the aid of the people of Okuta villages as residents now lived in fear of possible attack.

He said Nigerian teachers, dispensary workers and Immigration officials in Ogomue had been sent packing from the Nigerian villages by Benin Republic officials.

 He also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to rise to the situation before the Benin Republic authorities invade all Nigerian communities in Baruten Local Government Council of the state.

The emir recalled that during the government of President Ibrahim Babangida, the gendarmes attempted their encroachment move, claimed ownership of Ogomue, a village under Boriya of Okuta district in Baruten local government council of the state.

He noted that the move led the then military governor of Kwara State, Lt. Col. Ahmed Abdullahi, and the then Commander of 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, Col. Ojokojo, to visit the area.

He also said a visit during the period under review prompted the hoisting of Nigerian flag at Ogomue, with the subsequent construction of a primary school, a dispensary and Immigration post by the Nigerian authorities to give the villagers a sense of belonging.