Tensions reached a boiling point in Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, on Monday, June 30, 2025, as hundreds of angry youths stormed the streets in protest against the unrelenting wave of kidnappings, killings, and terrorist attacks devastating the region.
Frustrated by months of rising insecurity and what they describe as government abandonment, the demonstrators chanted protest songs and waved placards demanding urgent intervention. The peaceful protest later spiraled into chaos, resulting in the burning of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) office and vandalization of the Emir of Lafiagi’s palace.
“We have been crying and dying in silence. People are being kidnapped every week. We don’t sleep with both eyes closed anymore, and nobody—neither the governor, the chairman, nor even the Emir—is doing anything about it,” a protester said in a video circulating on social media.
Fresh Kidnappings Trigger Unrest
The protest was sparked by the abduction of three residents within 24 hours, including Alhaji Chemical, a prominent agro-chemical dealer, and Yman, a popular Point-of-Sale (POS) operator. Both were kidnapped in separate attacks carried out by armed assailants on motorcycles, according to eyewitnesses.
On Sunday night, bandits stormed the Taiwo area of Lafiagi around 1:00 a.m., overpowering local vigilantes and escaping with Alhaji Chemical. Hours later, another incident occurred in Kokodo village, where two Hausa men were abducted. A young girl reportedly escaped by fleeing into the bush.
“They came again around 10:00 p.m. on Sunday. This time, unlike the earlier attack, there was no resistance from the local hunters. No gunfire. They took the victims and left,” a resident explained.
Community Leaders and Security Agencies Hold Emergency Meeting
In the wake of the unrest, key community stakeholders, including traditional rulers and security agency heads, convened an emergency meeting at the Emir’s palace to de-escalate the situation. A reliable source confirmed that efforts were underway to restore calm and plan a coordinated security response.
Despite this, many in the community continue to express deep mistrust of government efforts, pointing to the absence of state officials and a lack of proactive policing.
PDP Condemns Insecurity, Slams Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq
Reacting to the escalating violence and protest, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State released a strongly worded statement condemning the security breakdown. The party criticized Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for what it called “absentee leadership” and “deafening silence” in the face of a worsening crisis.
“In just the last 48 hours, two respected residents of Lafiagi—Alhaji Chemical and Yman—have been kidnapped. There’s been no visible response from either the government or security agencies,” said Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the party’s publicity secretary.
“Governor Abdulrazaq’s refusal to visit the affected areas, address the public, or provide effective solutions reflects a leadership that is detached and indifferent to the plight of its people.”
The PDP also denounced the destruction of public property, while acknowledging the anger, frustration, and fear fueling the protest. It urged federal authorities to intervene and launch a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.
Police Remain Silent as Fear Grips Residents
Attempts to reach the Kwara State Police Command for comment were unsuccessful. The command’s spokesperson, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, did not respond to calls or text messages seeking updates on the situation.
Meanwhile, residents in Edu LGA continue to live in fear, with many demanding immediate security reinforcement and justice for victims. Community members are also calling for the rescue of the abducted and long-term strategies to dismantle criminal networks in the area.
The crisis in Lafiagi reflects a broader pattern of growing insecurity across North Central Nigeria, where rural communities are increasingly targeted by kidnappers and armed bandits. As frustration turns to rage, the need for decisive leadership, better security infrastructure, and community engagement becomes more urgent than ever.
Comments
Post a Comment