Tobi Adebayo
Ogun State chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called for the release of two Nigerians illegally arrested by the Beninese government.
The association made the call in a statement by its Chairman, Damilola Simeon on Monday.
Simeon warned that failure to release the two Nigerians identified as Pastor Kunle Gab and Benjamin Amosu will result in the mobilisation against all Beninese in Ogun state.
Gab and Amosu were reportedly arrested by Benin Republic Police for resisting encroachment on Nigerian borders.
“The herdsmen attacks turned thousands of Yewa residents to refugees in the Benin Republic, thereby exposing them to extreme poverty, acute hunger and lack of access to basic amenities.”
“Things have, however, taken even worse dimension following the recent acts of encroachment into Nigerian lands by the Benin Republic and subsequent resistance by the people of Yewa North and Imeko/Afon. The resistance spearheaded by Kunle Garb has culminated into his Gestapo-style arrest and that of his interpreter, Benjamin Amosu by Gendarmes (Benin Republic Police).
“The most disturbing in all of these is the continued silence and the aura of nonchalance emanating from the Federal Government as regards these horrendous developments.
“This indifference, apathy and disinterestedness being communicated by the Federal Government point towards the Federal Government as an abettor.
“We, therefore, urge the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency, utilize every diplomatic tool in their arsenal to secure the unconditional release of Kunle Garb and Benjamin Amosu and forestall further attacks and encroachment within the borders of Nigeria.
Court remands man, 58, for allegedly defiling 17-year-old
“Failure to do this will leave the National Association of Nigerian Students with no choice other than to mobilize against every Beninoise in Ogun State and their businesses. In addition, every operation of the Benin Republic in Ogun will be shut down indefinitely.
“In the same vein, every state and federal legislator representing Yewa generally should wake up to their constitutional duties and protect their constituency and constituents in their own best interest.
“Furthermore, the slumbering Nigeria Boundary Commission should earn its wages by wading into the worrisome boundary dispute between Nigeria and the Benin Republic instead of leaving it in the hands of helpless civilians.
“Finally, the preservation of National Unity remains the fundamental obligation of every citizen, consequently, we should all play our parts thoroughly,” the NANS chairman said.
