The National Boundary Commission (NBC) and its Benin Republic counterpart have embarked on a joint campaign to cement the bond between Nigeria and the neighbouring nation before colonial rule.

The campaign took place at Kosu Bosu, Baruten local government area of the Kwara section of the Nigeria-Benin international boundary.

This is contained in a statement by NBC director-general Adamu Adaji on Wednesday in Abuja.

Socio-cultural activities such as sports were featured as part of its efforts to promote peaceful co-existence between the dwellers along the international boundary of the two countries.

Mr Adaji, during the exercise, noted that the lack of a clear-cut demarcation of the boundary between the two countries had contributed to the issues of claims and counterclaims by the border communities.

He explained that it also led to insecurity along the border corridors, adding that bad elements had capitalised on the non-clarity of the boundary to perpetuate criminal activities in the communities.

“The height of insecurity in these communities is very worrisome as the problem has become a hydra-headed monster which has proven difficult for the security agents of both countries to intervene because of the fear of crossing into the other’s sovereign territory,” added Mr Adaji. “This ugly situation has significantly disrupted genuine economic activities amongst the border dwellers; the high level of insecurity has caused both countries enormous human and material resources which are the bedrock of sustainable development.”

Mr Adaji maintained that African countries must seek closer ties and cooperation to increase opportunities for trade and development and form alliances capable of mitigating the negative influence of globalisation.

(NAN)