Baruten shares a border with the Republic of Benin and has been relying on the country to access basic amenities
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.
In a statement made available to journalist, the representatives of the community said it is a collective decision of the people.
”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 the Benin Republic for medical treatments too, because we really lack everything at Baruten especially Gwanara district’’.
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.