Kwara Community In Turmoil As Insecurity Escalates

The southern part of Kwara State is currently in turmoil as escalating insecurity continues to devastate several communities. Residents of Shaare, Oke Ode, Igbonla, and other settlements are fleeing their homes following a wave of bandit attacks, kidnappings, and killings that have gripped the region in recent weeks.

The attack that occurred at Igbonla community, located in Irepodun Local Government Area, where heavily armed men invaded the town late at night. Witnesses said the assailants shot indiscriminately, forcing residents to scamper for safety before abducting several people and disappearing into nearby bushes.

Over 50 persons have been kidnapped in separate incidents across southern Kwara in the past month. Families of the victims have reportedly been forced to pay ransom amounts ranging from ₦5 million to ₦10 million to secure their loved ones’ release. In some cases, abductees remain in captivity despite payments, heightening fears among villagers.

A resident of Shaare, who identified herself simply as Rukayat, said the community has been living in fear. “We can’t go to our farms anymore. Once it is evening, everyone locks themselves indoors. Many families have already moved to Ilorin and Offa for safety,” she lamented.

Farmers have also abandoned their fields as the attacks intensify, raising concerns about looming food shortages in the region. Agricultural activities, which form the backbone of local livelihoods, have been severely disrupted.

Traditional rulers and community leaders have appealed to both the Kwara State Government and security agencies to act swiftly to restore order. The Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Yahaya Atoloye Alebiosu, recently urged the government to strengthen security patrols and establish more checkpoints along major roads in the area.

Civil society organizations and youth groups have also joined the call, warning that the increasing insecurity could spread to other parts of the state if not urgently addressed. The Kwara South Youth Development Forum, in a statement, described the situation as “alarming and unacceptable,” urging the government to collaborate with local vigilantes to protect communities.

In response to the rising tension, the Kwara State Police Command has reportedly deployed additional personnel to the affected areas. Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ejire Adetoun assured residents that efforts are ongoing to track down the perpetrators and rescue abducted victims. “We are aware of the situation, and our men are working tirelessly with other security agencies to restore calm,” she said.

The state government appealed for calm, promising to intensify collaboration with security operatives to tackle the menace. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, through his spokesperson, reiterated his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, describing the attacks as “unfortunate and deeply troubling.”

As residents continue to live in fear, many say they are losing confidence in the system. “We have reported, we have cried, but help is slow in coming,” said a youth leader from Oke Ode. “If the government doesn’t act fast, we might witness a total breakdown of security in Kwara South.”