The rising wave of insecurity in Kwara North has sparked a war of words between the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), with both sides trading accusations over how best to address the crisis.
In a strongly worded statement on Sunday, the PDP in Kwara North accused Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and APC leaders from the senatorial district of abandoning their people amid weeks of bandit attacks, kidnappings, and killings in communities across Patigi, Edu, and Ifelodun local government areas.
According to the PDP Senatorial Chairman, Hon. Uthman Mohammed Ndako, the silence and absence of elected officials from the troubled region amount to “a betrayal of trust.” He alleged that while villagers live in fear and families flee their ancestral homes, political officeholders have retreated to the safety of Ilorin, the state capital.
“Leadership is not about hiding in Ilorin while helpless villagers are left at the mercy of bloodthirsty criminals,” Ndako said, calling on the governor to deploy security votes to bring in personnel, equipment, and sustainable strategies to tackle the menace.
The opposition further claimed that Governor AbdulRazaq only visited Ifelodun after public pressure, while other badly affected areas like Patigi and Edu are yet to feel the presence of government.
But reacting, the Kwara Central APC Elders Caucus dismissed attempts to politicise the insecurity in the state, warning that such moves could worsen tensions rather than resolve them.
In a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Sulaiman Salaam Cementi, the caucus said security challenges are not peculiar to Kwara, urging stakeholders to support the government rather than “seek cheap publicity” from the crisis.
The APC elders also cautioned the Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association (IEYDA) over its recent comments on the matter, saying dragging the name of the Emir of Ilorin into political statements was “reckless” and capable of undermining the revered institution.
Highlighting the governor’s efforts, the caucus recalled that AbdulRazaq recently visited Babanla and Oke-Ode in company of security chiefs to commiserate with victims and assure them of government’s commitment. They also commended his directive to the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) to extend palliatives to those affected.
“The governor has shown concern and taken pragmatic steps. What is needed now is unity of purpose, not divisive politics,” the caucus said.
As residents continue to count their losses, both parties agree on one thing: Kwara North faces a grave security challenge. However, while the PDP insists the government must do more to secure lives and restore confidence, the APC elders argue that collective action, not political blame games, will bring lasting peace to the troubled region.
