Over 1,200 Lives Lost to Bandits in Kwara North Since Tinubu Took Office

A group of respected elders and leaders from Kwara North Senatorial District has raised an alarm over the growing security issues in the area.

They say that bandits and terrorists have killed more than 1,200 people since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office in 2023.

The group, under the Kwara North Development Commission (KNDC), stated that the ongoing attacks in the district have led to hundreds of abductions, ruined local economies, and pushed many communities into fear and uncertainty.

They warned that if quick and strong action is not taken to restore safety, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may lose the support of the people before the 2027 elections.

According to Daily Trust, Kwara North is facing serious insecurity, with frequent bandit attacks, killings, and kidnappings happening in many communities.

The situation has gotten worse recently as armed groups have stepped up their raids on rural areas, forcing residents to flee their homes and leave their farms behind.

The crisis peaked with a shocking attack on the Emir’s Palace in Yashikira, Baruten Local Government Area.

Reports say the gunmen invaded the palace, kidnapped some of the Emir’s wives and children, and set parts of the palace on fire.

In a statement on Tuesday, the elders and leaders, led by National President Alhaji Abdullahi Manzuma and Publicity Secretary Hajia Zainab Seko, expressed deep concern over the "near-total collapse" of security in the region.

They noted that the security crisis has devastated communities across the five local government areas of Baruten, Kaiama, Edu, Patigi, and Moro, displacing residents and crippling economic activities.

They pointed out that the area, which used to be known as the food basket of Kwara State, is now struggling due to constant attacks by armed groups operating in rural areas.

"Our people are living in fear. Entire communities have been sacked. More than 1200 lives have been lost and many of our sons, daughters, wives, and husbands are still being held captive by terrorists and bandits," the statement said.

It continued, "The economy of the region has been grounded, and agriculture, which is the mainstay of our people, has suffered immensely.

"Farmers can no longer access their farmlands safely, while buyers and traders are unwilling to come into the region because of security concerns. As a result, farm produce is wasting away."

The group recognized the efforts of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration to tackle these issues but stressed that the Federal Government must take responsibility for protecting lives and property.

"We acknowledge that the Kwara State Government is doing its best within its limits. However, the ultimate responsibility lies with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria."

"This is no longer a local challenge. What we are witnessing is a national security emergency that requires decisive federal intervention," they said.

The stakeholders are worried that the worsening situation is changing long-standing social and cultural traditions in the region.

They mentioned that many people who usually come home for festivities chose to stay away out of fear.

"For the first time in our history, many of our children refused to come home during the last festive celebrations because they were afraid for their safety. This is unprecedented and speaks volumes about the gravity of the situation."

"We are a peace-loving agrarian people. Our people do not deserve this level of suffering and neglect,” they added.

The elders warned that without urgent action to restore security, political leaders will struggle to gain support ahead of future elections.

"It will be very difficult to begin to campaign to people who are under siege, to mothers who have lost their children, and to fathers who can no longer provide for their families because their means of livelihood have been destroyed.

"Politics cannot thrive where people are struggling simply to stay alive," they stated.

They appealed directly to President Tinubu to send all necessary security help to the area and ensure that communities are safe from terrorists and criminals.

"We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the father of the nation, to rise to this challenge and take immediate steps to protect our communities from terrorism and banditry.

"The people of Kwara North have always been loyal to the APC-led government and patriotic citizens of Nigeria. What they seek is not charity, but security, justice, and the opportunity to live and work in peace."

The stakeholders concluded that restoring security in the region would save lives and bring back agricultural production and economic activities that are vital for food security in Kwara State and Nigeria.