Members of the Take It Back (TIB) Movement and youths from Kwara North on Thursday staged a protest at the Kwara State Government House in Ilorin, decrying persistent killings and kidnappings in parts of the region.

The demonstrators, who gathered in large numbers, said communities in Edu and Patigi local government areas have been under sustained attacks, with residents living in fear. They carried placards condemning what they described as government inaction and a worsening security situation.

Several of the protesters referenced recent violence in Woro and Gbugbu communities, alleging repeated attacks and loss of lives. They called for justice for victims and urged authorities not to overlook the incidents.

“Our region is under attack. Kwara North needs protection, not abandonment,” one placard read. Another stated, “Protest is not chaos, it is a call for attention to the suffering in Kwara North.”

Speaking during the march, a youth leader said gunshots, kidnappings and killings had become frequent occurrences in rural communities. He questioned how long residents would continue to endure insecurity without stronger intervention.

The protesters insisted their action was not politically motivated but a response to what they described as a humanitarian and security crisis. According to them, many residents have been displaced, while others are unable to farm or carry out daily activities due to fear of attacks.

They also cautioned against relocating internally displaced persons to areas they consider unsafe, urging the government to prioritise restoring security before taking such steps.

The group demanded increased deployment of security personnel, improved surveillance in vulnerable communities and decisive action against armed groups operating in the region.

The protest ended peacefully, with participants calling on the state government to take urgent measures to protect lives and property across Kwara North.