Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Government of Benin Republic has assured the public that President Patrice Talon is safe following an attempted takeover by a group of soldiers.
Authorities also confirmed that the national army is steadily regaining control from the coup plotters.
The reassurance came shortly after a group of military officers appeared on Benin’s national television on Sunday morning, announcing the removal of the president and the dissolution of state institutions.
The officers, who identified themselves as the Military Committee for Refoundation, claimed they had taken charge of the government.
However, the Benin presidency dismissed the claims, describing the group as a “small faction” with limited influence.
“This is a small group of people who only control the television. The regular army is regaining control. The city and the country are completely secure,” the presidency said, according to the agency.
