Fear, anger in Kwara as residents protest rising insecurity

Residents of Kwara South on Friday took to the streets in anger and fear over rising insecurity, staging a protest to demand urgent government intervention amid a worsening wave of killings, kidnappings and displacement across communities.

The protesters, under the aegis of the Kwara South Development Forum, decried what they described as a deepening security crisis, alleging that armed groups have continued to carry out coordinated attacks, overwhelming local communities and weakening existing security structures, particularly vigilante groups.

Speaking during the protest, the forum’s convener, Obashola Ayomide Ridwan, said residents were compelled to act to draw attention to the deteriorating situation.

“Our mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers have been killed and kidnapped, while our schools have been shut down in Kwara South,” he said.

He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to urgently intervene by strengthening local vigilante groups and security agencies.

Other protesters narrated experiences of repeated attacks and abductions, saying many communities have been deserted due to fear and insecurity.

A resident, Adebisi Jimoh, said several families in Babanla and nearby settlements had fled their homes following persistent attacks and kidnappings.

“Our community has become deserted. Many of us have been chased out of our homes,” he said.

Another protester, Sodiq Amidu, alleged that some victims were only released after the payment of huge ransoms, while others were not as fortunate.

Residents also claimed that attacks have disrupted economic activities, forced the closure of schools and led to the abandonment of farmlands across affected communities.

Findings indicate that areas such as Ifelodun, Ekiti, Oke-Ero and Irepodun local government areas have recorded frequent cases of abductions and violent attacks in recent weeks.

The protesters urged traditional rulers and government authorities to take coordinated action, warning that failure to address the situation could lead to a deeper humanitarian crisis in the region.

They called for increased deployment of security personnel, intelligence-driven operations and the empowerment of local vigilante networks to restore safety and stability.