From Princely Onyenwe
As Nigeria shutsdown border with Niger Republic, the boarder gate was sighted desolate while people were still trekking in and out of both countries to transact their businesses as 9News Nigeria reports.
The Sokoto boarder was ordered to be closed by Nigeria government in the cause of the Niger Republic coup d’etat.
9News reporters revealed that the boarder has be classified as the most busy road used by both Nigeriens and Nigerians to transact business on regular basis and therefore has to be thoroughly checked by the customs.
Businesses are heavily transacted at the boarders on Sundays which is termed as the market day.
There are over 101 foot paths popular called track roads across Niger/Nigeria Boarder which are being utilized by the neighbouring communities to cross between illela, ƙonni and the surrounding villages on a daily basis as revealed by 9News Nigeria.
The worry is that the closure of boarder has affected both countries and the residents over there are threatening that No Custom Boss or Presidential Order can ever stop those communities from engaging in their daily life activities even as it is temporarily closed.
Recall that Nigeria has closed its border with Niger Republic following the military coup that ousted the democratically-elected government of President Mohammed Bazoum.
Acting Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi disclosed this on Friday at Illela border, Sokoto state.
According to him, with the current situation in Niger, the borders have been closed, and there are restrictions of movement along the areas.
He, therefore, advised Nigerians who were planning to travel to Niger to stay safe at home, saying that only Nigerians that are returning home were allowed to cross the border.
He also said Nigeria Customs had deployed its personnel to block all the unorthodox roads through which some of the foreigners may likely infiltrate.
“You know Sokoto and Niger Republic, we are a homogeneous society, with the same language, religion and culture, but we have a colonial boundary which we must respect.”
Meanwhile, many Nigerian are said to be residing in the Niger Republic boarder same as Nigeriens who are residing in Sokoto Nigeria.
They have farmlands which is the source of livelihood inside Nigeria but they’re originally Niger citizens, Sokoto residents told 9News Nigeria.
“Even same yesterday, we were in Konni for our daily business, so no amount of person can stop that movement from Konni to Illela to madawa, dogon ducce and marbaza. We want peace in Niger Republic. Nigeriens and Nigerians are brothers, we share things in common, residents hinted.
9News Nigeria (Owerri) For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526
