Ogun Residents Kick As Benin Republic Encroaches Into Nigeria

Residents of Igbokofin and Asaga in the Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State have kicked against alleged encroachment into the communities by government of Benin Republic. The residents said the encroachment by Benin Republic into communities in Nigeria was wrong. They said the neighbouring country had been making the attempt for a while without any serious response from Nigerian government. The President, Yewa North Patriotic Forum, Omobolaji Sanni said, “This issue of encroachment has been on for over 50 years and Nigerian government is not doing anything. For instance, the market that belongs to Yewa North, Igbokofin Market in Ogun State, Nigeria, has been taken over by Benin Republic since about five years ago” Sanni also said the Benin Republic government had demolished the Yewa North Primary School built on Nigeria land. “There were some pillars that were used to demarcate the boundary, but all these pillars have been removed. Recently, Benin Republic graded its road into Nigeria, and our people challenged them. Benin Republic police took away Nigerian flag. “We are calling on the international boundary commission to come to our rescue.”

The Chairman, Ogun State Peace Keeping Committee on Farmers Herders Conflict, said the state government was aware of the matter. He said, “As a matter of fact, our security agencies have been there in few times. I am sure that you know that it is a Federal Government thing because it is an international border between Nigeria and Benin Republic. From my information the DG International Border has been there. This incursion did not just start today, it is something that had been happening.