Kwara Stakeholders Claim Over 1,200 Killed in Bandit Attacks

Elders and stakeholders from Kwara North Senatorial District have accused the federal government of failing to curb rising banditry and terrorism in the region.

The group, operating under the Kwara North Development Commission, alleged that more than 1,200 residents have been killed since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in 2023.

They warned that the All Progressives Congress could face declining support in the district ahead of the 2027 elections if urgent security measures are not implemented.

The statement was issued on Tuesday and signed by the National President of the commission, Alhaji Abdullahi Manzuma, and Publicity Secretary Hajia Zainab Seko.

The stakeholders described the security situation as alarming, citing near-total collapse of safety in Baruten, Kaiama, Edu, Patigi, and Moro local government areas.

They said persistent attacks by bandits and terrorists have left many communities devastated, with thousands displaced and economic activities disrupted.

The group noted that Kwara North, once regarded as the state’s food basket, has seen a sharp decline in agricultural productivity due to insecurity.

They added that farmers have abandoned farmlands, while residents live in fear of further attacks.

“Our people are living in fear. Entire communities have been sacked, more than 1,200 lives have been lost, and many residents are still held captive by terrorists,” the statement said.

The stakeholders emphasized the economic impact, noting that agriculture—the region’s main occupation—has suffered due to unsafe access to farms.

“Farmers can no longer access their farmlands safely, while buyers and traders are unwilling to enter the region because of security concerns,” the statement added.

They acknowledged efforts by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration but stressed that the primary responsibility for security lies with the federal government.

“While the Kwara State Government is doing its best, the buck stops with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,” the group stated.

The elders said the worsening security situation constitutes a national emergency requiring decisive federal intervention.

“This is no longer a local challenge; it is a national security emergency that requires prompt action by the federal government,” they added.

They also raised concerns about the social impact, noting that fear has prevented many indigenes from returning home during festive periods, a first in the region’s history.

“For the first time, many of our children refused to come home during the last celebrations because they feared for their safety,” the statement said.

The group warned that continued insecurity could have political consequences for the ruling party, making it difficult to gain support in affected communities.

“It will be very difficult to campaign to people who are under siege and whose means of livelihood have been destroyed,” the stakeholders said.

They appealed to the President to deploy additional security resources to protect vulnerable communities from terrorists and bandits.

“We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the father of the nation, to take immediate steps to protect our communities,” they said.

The stakeholders concluded that restoring security would save lives and revive agriculture and economic activities critical to food security in Kwara State and Nigeria.

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