Kwara South Erupts in Protest Over Surge in Killings, Kidnappings

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Residents of Kwara South on Friday staged a massive protest to express growing frustration over the worsening security situation across the region, calling on both federal and state authorities to take immediate and decisive action.

The demonstration, organised under the umbrella of the Kwara South Development Forum, drew participants from several affected communities who voiced deep concerns over the increasing cases of killings, kidnappings, and forced displacement. Protesters carried placards and chanted slogans, highlighting what they described as a deteriorating security climate that has left many residents living in fear.

Speaking during the protest, the convener of the forum, Obashola Ayomide Ridwan, said the action became necessary due to the government’s perceived slow response to the crisis. According to him, communities across Kwara South have suffered repeated attacks by armed groups, resulting in loss of lives, abductions, and the disruption of daily activities.

“Our mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers have been killed or kidnapped. Schools have been shut down, and entire communities are under threat,” he said. “We can no longer remain silent while our people continue to suffer.”

Ridwan appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to urgently intervene by reinforcing security presence in the affected areas. He also called for increased support for local vigilante groups, noting that they are often the first line of defence but lack the necessary resources and coordination to effectively combat the threats.

Several residents who participated in the protest shared personal accounts of the impact of insecurity on their communities. A resident, Adebisi Jimoh, lamented that continuous attacks in Babanla and nearby settlements have forced many families to abandon their homes.

“Our community has become almost empty. People are fleeing daily because they are afraid of being the next victims,” he said.

Another protester, Sodiq Amidu, alleged that kidnappers have turned abduction into a lucrative enterprise in the area, with victims often released only after the payment of substantial ransoms. He added that, in some cases, those abducted never return, deepening the trauma experienced by families and communities.

The security challenges have also taken a toll on the local economy. Residents reported that farming activities have been severely disrupted, as many farmers are unable to access their lands due to fear of attacks. Markets and small businesses have equally suffered setbacks, further worsening the economic conditions of the region.

Education has not been spared, with several schools reportedly shut down in response to the insecurity. Parents and guardians, worried about the safety of their children, have been forced to keep them at home, raising concerns about the long-term impact on education in the area.

Investigations indicate that local government areas including Ifelodun, Ekiti, Oke-Ero, and Irepodun have witnessed a spike in violent incidents in recent weeks, with reports of coordinated attacks and abductions becoming increasingly frequent.

The protesters called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and security agencies to collaborate more effectively in addressing the crisis. They stressed the need for intelligence-driven operations, increased deployment of security personnel, and improved logistical support for grassroots security outfits.

They warned that failure to act swiftly could escalate the situation into a full-blown humanitarian crisis, as more communities risk being displaced and livelihoods destroyed.

As tensions continue to rise, residents say they will sustain pressure on authorities until concrete measures are implemented to restore peace and security across Kwara South.