Yoruba youths condemn FG’s closure of borders

The Yoruba Youth Socio-cultural Association (YYSA) Worldwide has decried the closure of Seme and other borders in the country.

In a statement issued by its National Secretary, Olawale Ajao, the group noted that the Federal Government’s closure of the Nigeria-Benin border was unwisely done as it would not do South West states any good rather than cripple the region’s economy.

“Economically, the Seme border contributes infinitely to the socio-economic development of Yoruba land. Benin Republic is not just a neighboring country, but backyard or second home for the fact that the settlers are from the South West.

“The negative impact of rice smuggling on the regional economy is minute when compared to the amount generate monthly on other commodities coming in and out of the border.

“There are other methods or strategies that could be adopted to curtail rice smuggling rather than closing the border.

“As such, the step taken by Federal Government would lead to gross economic downturn if not reversed. Some businesses had already been frustrated while many people are stranded,” the group stated.

It, therefore, urged the President Buhari government to reopen the borders without further delay.