Beninoises taking over Nigerian oil-rich island – Immigration

The Assistant Controller General (ACG) of Immigration in charge of Zone A, Mr Musa Maza has raised the alarm over an alleged plan by the people of Benin Republic to take over the oil-rich Tongeji Island in Ogun State, South West Nigeria.

Maza disclosed that some Beninoises have started to encroach on the island, stressing that if nothing was done immediately, the border island that is home to many Nigerians might eventually fall into the hands of Benin Republic.

Maza, who is charge of Lagos and Ogun State Immigration commands, stated this while on an official visit to Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State.

He therefore advised both the federal and Ogun State governments to act fast by establishing a base for the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) at Tongeji to avert a repeat of what happened to Bakassi peninsular which had been officially taken over by Cameroon.

He said at present, Nigerians who reside in the oil rich island are constantly being threatened by some citizens of the neighboring Benin Republic.

“The move to take over the oil rich Tongeji Island started after crude oil was found there, as three oil exploration sites were developed by the Ogun State government in 2008.

He added that “setting up a paramilitary or military base there would not only deter any encroachment on the island by Beninoises, but will also serve as security for the millions of Nigerians who live on the island. Government should act fast to avoid a repeat of the Bakassi experience.”

Responding, Governor Amosun said the state was doing all it could to create global awareness on the attempt by the Beninois to take over Tongeji.