Alhaji Bio Ibrahim, a former Minister of Transport, on Sunday decried the lack of basic health facilities in border communities across the Baruten Local Government Area in Kwara.

Ibrahim told the News Agency of Nigeria  in Sanre that it was not in the national interest for the residents of the area to be visiting Benin Republic for medical attention.

“In spite of the Benin’s lean economy, the country still provides health facilities for the people. If you visit their basic health centre, there are drugs and qualified personnel to attend to you,” he said.

The former minister, who is a pharmacist, said the border area had for long been neglected.

The former Speaker of the state House of Assembly said he had carried out a lot of community service in the area to alleviate the suffering of the people.

He, however, urged governments at all levels to ensure improved facilities in the area.