Residents of Kwara South on Friday staged a protest over escalating insecurity, calling for immediate government intervention amid increasing cases of killings, kidnappings and displacement across communities.
The protesters, under the aegis of the Kwara South Development Forum, expressed anger and fear over what they described as a worsening security crisis, alleging that armed groups have continued to launch coordinated attacks, overwhelming local defences and weakening vigilante operations.
Speaking during the protest, the forum’s convener, Obashola Ayomide Ridwan, said residents were forced to take to the streets 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.
The protesters called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to urgently intervene by strengthening security agencies and supporting local vigilante groups.
Several residents shared accounts of repeated attacks and abductions, noting that many communities have been deserted due to fear.
A resident, Adebisi Jimoh, said families in Babanla and surrounding areas had fled their homes following persistent violence.
“Our community has become deserted. Many of us have been chased out of our homes,” he said.
Another protester, Sodiq Amidu, alleged that some kidnapped victims were released only after the payment of large ransoms, while others did not survive.
Residents further stated that the crisis has 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 violent attacks and abductions in recent weeks.
The protesters urged coordinated action from government authorities and traditional institutions, warning that failure to address the situation could deepen the humanitarian crisis in the region.
