OGUN: We can’t find Yewa refugees in Benin Republic, says FG

THE whereabouts of the displaced Ogun residents who relocated to Benin Republic, to seek refuge, following series of attacks on their communities by armed herdsmen are shrouded in mystery.

This is following the disclosure by the Federal Government that it cannot locate the displaced residents when they visited the country  to repatriate them back home.

The government explained that the Nigerian Embassy officials, who visited the communities where the people were taking shelter, were informed that they had returned to their communities in Nigeria.

The Director of Consular Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bolaji Akinremi, made this public yesterday.

In the heat of incessant killings and maiming that rocked Agbon-Ojodu, Moro, Asa,  Ibeku and other villages in the Yewa Local Government Area of Ogun State, some residents took leave of these communities and s and took refuge in neighbouring Benin Republic.
Over 20 persons have been reportedly killed by the herdsmen, who also graze their animals on farms in the communities.

The Senate had two weeks ago asked the Federal Government to direct officials of the National Emergency Management Agency and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management to bring the refugees back.

The Senate resolution was sequel to a point of order raised by the senator representing Ogun West, Tolu Odebiyi.

But giving an update on the matter, Akinremi said no Nigerian refugee was found in Benin Republic.

He stated, “Our mission visited the villages mentioned and met with rulers, but was told that those who came as a result of the crisis had returned after a few days. So, no Nigerian refugee was found in Benin Republic. In line with the various media reports and the reported National Assembly directive for NEMA to bring them back home, the MFA will be willing to support as appropriate.”

Meanwhile, there are no reports yet from the communities that the displaced residents have returned home.