— Governor insists renewed security efforts are underway to restore calm
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has criticized Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for what it described as his “insensitive and detached” response to the rising insecurity in the state, accusing him of celebrating security breakthroughs in other states while failing to address the plight of his own people.
In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the opposition expressed disappointment that the Governor issued a press release through his Chief Press Secretary hailing President Bola Tinubu for the arrest of Ansaru leaders in other states, even as communities in Kwara are being ravaged by bandits and kidnappers.
“It is highly irresponsible for Governor AbdulRazaq to be praising arrests in faraway states while Kwarans are bleeding. Families are displaced, farmlands abandoned, and entire communities deserted. Our people can no longer sleep peacefully in their homes,” the statement read.
Communities Under Siege
Recent attacks confirm the fears raised by the PDP.
- On August 11, 2025, bandits numbering over 200 stormed Babanla community in Ifelodun LGA, killing at least five people—including a police officer, Adejumo Wasiu—before being repelled by security forces.
- By August 14–17, hundreds of residents fled communities such as Babanla, Sabe, Ologomo, and Alabe, with video footage showing displaced families camping at Oke-Ode garage.
- On August 18, suspected bandits gunned down Alhaji Gomina in Lade, Patigi LGA, shortly after evening prayers, sparking outrage and grief.
- Earlier in the month, vigilante operatives arrested eight suspected kidnappers across Ifelodun LGA, while in Edu LGA, communities like Lataworo and Gamalegi also suffered coordinated raids and abductions.
Voices of Victims
Residents say the situation has become unbearable.
“Our farmlands are no longer safe. We cannot even harvest what we planted because these criminals attack us in broad daylight. Many of us are leaving everything behind,” said Alhaji Usman, a farmer in Patigi.
Mrs. Mary Olorunto, a trader in Kaiama, added:
“We no longer sleep at night. Every sound we hear, we think bandits have come again. The Governor should come here and see how we are living, instead of only sending press statements from Ilorin.”
Governor’s Response
Reacting to the PDP’s criticism, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaiye, said the AbdulRazaq administration is not folding its arms but working closely with security agencies to restore calm. He noted that renewed efforts are underway, including the deployment of more forest guards and stronger collaboration with federal forces.
“Governor AbdulRazaq has been engaging with security agencies and traditional institutions to tackle the menace. This is not a challenge unique to Kwara, but our government is determined to secure lives and livelihoods across the state,” Ajakaiye stressed.
The Governor had earlier hailed President Tinubu and federal security forces for the arrest of key Ansaru terror leaders, saying synergy between federal and state governments remains critical in defeating terrorism nationwide.
