The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to urgently engage the Republic of Benin over the blockade of the Tabera border in Baruten Local Government Area (LGA), Kwara State.

The legislative body specifically called for diplomatic action to resolve the impasse and restore free movement of people, goods, and services, in line with bilateral agreements and ECOWAS policies.

This followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance, moved by Hon. Mohammed Bio, a representative from Kwara State, during Tuesday's plenary session.

Hon. Bio highlighted that Tabera, a border community in Baruten LGA, shares boundaries with Tandu Community in Parakou, Benin. He noted that Nigeria's proximity to Benin via Baruten LGA has historically strengthened cross-border relations.

The lawmaker said Tabera-Tandu Road is the easiest and sole agricultural trade route linking Okuta District in Nigeria with Parakou Province in the Republic of Benin.

Bio observed that: "On the 6th May, 2025, between Lam and Sam, Beninese Security Personnel, in joint operation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce on the order of the President of the Republic of Benin, effected a pre-dawn blockade of TaberaTandu Road with heavy stones, barring movement of people, goods, and services between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.

"This presidential directive of blockade has disrupted the movement of people, seasonal cashew and soya beans trade that are critical to the rural livelihood of people in the border communities of the two countries," he said.

The lawmaker expressed concerns that the blockade would make life unbearable for people and may force them to break the law and order.

He was worried that" the blockade poses a significant strain on bilateral relations and ECOWAS trade cooperation, to which Nigeria and the Republic of Benin are parties.

"The continuation of the blockade restricting movement of people, goods and services without urgent resolution can ignite rancour between people of the two countries and further contribute to insecurity in the two countries battling with it in that part of the country.

Also at plenary, the House called for the immediate and unconditional release of 18 persons abducted by sea pirates along the Billy and Bonny waterways in Rivers State.

This was a sequel to the approval of a motion moved by Hon Hart Cyril from Rivers, who decried the growing insecurity, recalling a similar attack in March where a victim was killed despite a ransom payment.

The House urged the Inspector General of Police to deploy gunboats and security houseboats to secure the waterways and mandated its committees on the Navy and Police to ensure compliance.