The Senate on Tuesday frowned at the illegal encroachment and unlawful arrest of Nigerian nationals by authorities of the Republic of Benin within the Nigerian territory.
This followed a point of order raised by Senator Tolu Odebiyi who cited reports by some National Dailies detailing the arrest by Benin Security agents, of one Pastor Kunle Garb, and Benjamin Amosu, both residents of Iboko village in Iyawe North Local Government Area of Ogun State, for demanding the reversal of land encroachment by the government of the Republic of Benin.
Describing the situation as alarming, he called for immediate action to be taken for their release, even as he attributed the incident to the porosity of the Nigerian borders.
Odebiyi said the action contravenes the bilateral agreement of both countries, warning that if not properly handled it could degenerate to unrest and mass action by citizens.
He recalled that the arrest was made without a court order.
The Senate in its resolutions condemned any act of unlawful encroachment and the unlawful arrest of Nigerians by the authorities of the Republic of Benin.