The people of Baruten local district of Kwara state, North-central Nigeria, have threatened to denounce their citizenship of Nigeria and join the Republic of Benin.
According to the people, this becomes necessary due to the level of neglect by both federal and state governments in terms provision of basic amenities in the region. Residents disclosed that they usually go across the border (Benin Republic) to meet basic needs such as medical treatments among others.
They said they now belong to the Republic of Benin.
In a statement made available to journalists, Abdulrazaq O. Hamzat of Kwara Must Change, accused Kwara politicians of deceiving residents of the local government with promises during electioneering campaign.
He said since the creation of Kwara state over 51 years ago, no single meaningful project has been done in the local government by either state or federal government.
Hamzat said some members of Kwara Must Change residing in the local government confided in the group that they have since lost hope in the Kwara State government and have silently denounce their Kwara State citizenship due to absolute neglect.
”I am from Baruten local government, in Gwanara district specifically. We call ourselves citizens of Benin Republic because we are not sure if we are part of Kwara state. From Gwanara, we travel to Saki in Oyo state for medical treatments and some even die on the road while going’’. ‘’Others go to Benin Republic for medical treatments too, because we really lack everything at Baruten especially Gwanara district’’.
The statement released by Hamzat’s say:
‘Kwara Must Change wishes to bring to public attention, the unfortunate situation in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State that has made the people denounce their beloved Kwara State.
‘Baruten is a Local Government in Kwara State sharing border with Benin Republic, but unfortunately, there is no road leading to the Local Government from Kwara State.
‘When going to Baruten, one has to travel a long distance to neighboring Oyo State before connecting back to Baruten Local Government. However, apart from Oyo State, one can as well travel to Benin Republic and come in through the other axis.
‘Although, Nigeria’s border road to Benin Republic located in Gwanara district of Baruten Local Government is stinkingly terrible, not withstanding, one can still use it at grave discomfort.
‘According to the people living in the local government, since the creation of Kwara state over 51 years ago, no single meaningful project has been done in the local government by either state or federal government.
‘Few days ago, some members of Kwara Must Change residing in the local government confided in us that they have since lost hope in the Kwara State government and have silently denounce their Kwara State citizenship due to absolute neglect.
‘I am from Baruten local government, in Gwanara district specifically. We call ourselves citizens of Benin Republic because we are not sure if we are part of Kwara state. From Gwanara, we travel to Saki in Oyo state for medical treatments and some even die on the road while going’’. ‘’Others go to Benin Republic for medical treatments too, because we really lack everything at Baruten especially Gwanara district’’.
‘This is why Kwara Must Change is forced to ask the Kwara State government if Baruten Local Government is no longer part of Kwara State. If they are part of the State, why is Kwara State government not responsible for those living in Baruten and why are they completely abandoned over the years?
‘It is important to note that, the Kwara State governor, Senator representing Kwara North and other office holders often go to Baruten during electioneering campaigns. When they go there, they make all sorts of promises, but after getting into office, they forget the people.
‘We contend that, If government cannot build ordinary road into Baruten local government, how would they provide schools, medical facilities and other infrastructural developments?
‘Kwara Must Change is hereby calling on the Kwara State government to tell the people of Baruten their fate, whether or not they remain part of Kwara State and Nigeria in extension’.
Many parts of Nigeria have the same complaints as the people of Baruten. Inadequate social amenities is one of the reasons cited by most agitating groups in the country.
However, the method adopted by the people of Baruten is quite different as they seek to leave Nigeria and join another country.
