Residents of Kwara South, under the banner of the Kwara South Development Forum, have taken to the streets to protest what they described as escalating insecurity across their communities, urging President Bola Tinubu and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to intervene before the situation worsens further.
The protesters alleged that armed groups, whom they repeatedly referred to as terrorists, have taken over several Yoruba communities in the region, unleashing killings, kidnappings, and widespread displacement of residents. According to them, entire villages have been overrun, while local vigilante networks have been weakened or dismantled.
Speaking during the protest, the Convener of the forum, Obashola Ayomide Ridwan, said the security situation had deteriorated to alarming levels.
“Our local vigilante commanders were identified by informants, and the attackers went after them one after the other until they were all killed. After that, they took over our communities, killing and kidnapping innocent people,” he said.
He added that the crisis had left deep social and economic scars across the region.
“Our mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers have been killed and kidnapped, while schools have been shut down in Kwara South. We are calling on President Tinubu and Governor AbdulRazaq to empower security agencies and local vigilantes to end this,” he added.
During the protest, several residents shared emotional testimonies of loss and displacement.
A protester, Adebisi Jimoh, said her community, Babanla, had become deserted due to repeated attacks.
“Our community has become deserted. Family members have been kidnapped, and we had to raise ransom to secure their release. Many of us have been forced out of our homes,” she said.
Another resident, Sodiq Amidu, narrated how two of his associates were abducted and only released after paying heavy ransoms.
“They were lucky to come back alive. One paid ₦10 million, the other ₦5 million. Many others did not return,” he said.
An activist in the region, Aleshinloye Saheed, said the situation worsened after local resistance groups were targeted.
“Our vigilante commanders have been killed, and our people are now vulnerable. Many communities have been deserted,” he said, calling for coordinated federal and state intervention.
The protesters also appealed to traditional rulers in Kwara South to unite and engage the federal government, insisting that only urgent and decisive action could stop the worsening insecurity.
They vowed to continue peaceful demonstrations until concrete steps are taken to restore safety, rebuild affected communities, and allow displaced residents return home.
