Senate condemns unlawful arrest of Nigerians by Beninois gerdarmes

The Senate has condemned the act of unlawful encroachment and the unlawful arrest of Nigerians by the authorities of Republic of Benin who allegedly crossed into Nigerian territory to carry out the illegal act.

This condemnation was expressed today, Tuesday, 6th July, 2021, under a motion of urgent National/Public Importance moved by the Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District, Sen. Tolu Odebiyi, titled ‘Motion On The Urgent Need For The Senate To Investigate The Continued Illegal Encroachment Into Nigeria’s Territory And The Illegal Arrests Of Nigerians By Security Officials From Republic Of Benin’.

While moving the motion, Sen. Odebiyi said, “It was reported in some Nigeria major news outlets that security men from the Republic of Benin crossed into Nigeria territory to carry out the arrest of one Pastor Kunle Garb and Mr. Benjamin Amosu, his interpreter, who are residents of Igbokofi Village in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State for demanding the reversal of the land encroachment by Government of the Republic of Benin”.

The Ogun West Senator also notes that Pastor Kunle Garb and Mr Benjamin Amosu were allegedly arrested in Nigeria in a gestapo style and shipped to prison in Ajase, Port Novo Area of Republic of Benin, without an order of a competent court of jurisdiction in Nigeria.

Supporting the motion moved by Sen. Tolu Odebiyi, Sen. Rochas Okorocha said that, “This motion is very apt and timely. It is clear that Nigerians are being treated abysmally by other nations of the world. I think it is high time Nigeria rose to protect its citizens. Every citizen of Nigeria must be treated with dignity and respect by all nations”.

The two term former Governor of Imo State further said that, “It is an insult to Nigeria because our great nation is not a pushover. As Senators we must condemn any act by any nation against any citizen of this country. This idea of arrest of this Pastor and his interpreter is uncalled for and no one should take this nation for granted”.

Sen. Ibikunle Amosun, another two term Governor and current Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, while adding his voice to the important motion moved by Sen. Odebiyi notes, “This is something we need to quickly address. This is not the first time we are having this issue. I remember that even in this Senate, I have had cause to bring to the fore the relationship that we have as a country with Republic of Benin. You will see the Republic of Benin every now and again harassing Nigerians. That is why we have been adding our voices to motions such as this”.

The Senate accordingly resolves to condemn any act of unlawful encroachment and the unlawful arrest of Nigerians by the authorities of Republic of Benin and direct the Federal Ministry of foreign affairs, the Federal Ministry of Justice and Border agencies to investigate and urgently put in place the necessary mechanisms that would provide lasting solutions to this issue.