Sen. Solomon Adeola (APC- Ogun West, has expressed concern over the killing of residents of communities bordering the Republic of Benin by the operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Adeola stated this while speaking at the 2nd Edition of Town Hall Meeting/Mega Empowerment and Thank You Tour, held at Imeko town, Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State, on Friday.
The senator bemoaned “incessant killings” of Ogun West residents by the customs in the name of tackling smuggling, saying that the killings must be halted.
Adeola stressed that everyone residing in the border communities could not be tagged as smugglers, rather, they are legitimate inter-border traders.
He added that the killings by the operatives of the customs are unjustifiable.
At the event attended by leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), traditional rulers and trade associations, youths, women and artisans numbering 4,000 were given empowerment tools.
Speaking further, the senator, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations, noted that shutting the borders cannot bring about the desired solution, saying several legitimate business activities would continue to be affected by the measure.
He observed further that closing petrol stations within the 20 kilometers to the border has taken a serious toll on the socioeconomic development of the people and the communities, disclosing that efforts were ongoing at the Senate to ensure the reopening of the stations.
Adeola expressed dismay at what he described as a “selective opening”of petrol stations, emphasizing that concerted efforts have been initiated at the National Assembly to facilitate the reopening of all the stations.
Speaking on the empowerment programme, the senator said that the programme was organized to reward constituents in Ogun West for voting him as their senator.
He explained further that the distribution of the empowerment tools was decentralized to accommodate and empower more beneficiaries in all the five local government areas in the senatorial districts.
While warning the beneficiaries of the empowerment scheme not to sell the tools but use them to enhance their businesses and crafts, Adeola assured them that he would continue to give qualitative representation and facilitate more developmental projects to Ogun West.
He, however, submitted that rehabilitation work will commence soon on the road from Rounder to Olorunda, while the ongoing road construction in Ilara, Ilase, Oja Odan and Eselu as well as Iwoye-Oke Agbede-Moriwi will soon be completed.
