Tension as neigbouring country takes over Kwara state, removes Nigerian 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.

In their determination to annex the Nigerian villages, it was reliably gathered that 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.

Sources revealed that the development negated the boundary delimitation of 1914 between Britain and France which the two countries had duly respected.

The affected villages includeOgomne, Bwin, Gandasunon, Kpuru and Woru Wuren Kparu, 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 live in fear of possible attack.