A coalition of elders and stakeholders from Kwara North Senatorial District has raised alarm over worsening insecurity in the region, claiming that more than 1,200 residents have been killed by bandits and terrorists since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in 2023.
In a statement signed on Tuesday by its National President, Alhaji Abdullahi Manzuma, and Publicity Secretary, Hajia Zainab Seko, the stakeholders described the situation as a “near-total collapse” of security and called for urgent federal intervention.
The group, under the aegis of the Kwara North Development Commission (KNDC), said persistent attacks across Baruten, Kaiama, Edu, Patigi and Moro local government areas have left hundreds abducted, displaced communities, crippled economic activities and forced many farmers to abandon their farmlands.
They cited the recent attack on the Emir’s Palace in Yashikira, Baruten LGA, where gunmen reportedly abducted some of the Emir’s wives, children and other residents before setting part of the palace ablaze.
While acknowledging efforts by the Kwara State Government to address the crisis, the group maintained that the primary responsibility for securing lives and property rests with the Federal Government.
The stakeholders warned that unless security is restored and confidence rebuilt, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) could face growing public discontent ahead of the 2027 general elections.
They urged President Tinubu to deploy additional security resources to the district, stressing that restoring peace would not only save lives but also revive agricultural production and economic activities critical to the region and the nation’s food security.
