Igbomina leaders raise alarm over insecurity, demand urgent government action

Traditional rulers and community leaders in Kwara South have raised a desperate alarm over escalating insecurity in Ibomina land, lamenting rampant kidnappings and the inability of residents to live or farm freely.

Speaking during an emergency security meeting, the monarchs called on the state and federal governments to urgently deploy security resources to protect their people and territory.

The meeting, which featured heartfelt appeals and revelations about the dire state of safety in the area, shed light on the depth of fear and frustration within affected communities like Oko, Ola, and Omu Aran.

“In Oko, once it is six o’clock, everyone rushes indoors. A few weeks ago, the iyaloja of Oko was kidnapped. It is the same story in Ola, and Omu Aran is even worse attacks happen almost daily,” one of the traditional leaders said.

To support local efforts at securing the communities, the monarchs revealed that they had taxed themselves according to their royal classifications: first-class monarchs contributed ₦250,000 each, second-class ₦150,000, third-class ₦100,000, and fifth-class ₦70,000.

“Some even contributed more,” one leader noted, “but there is only so much we can do without government support.”

The leaders also decried the poor state of vigilante morale, noting that some community vigilantes have faced murder charges alone without legal or institutional backing.

“Some have been discouraged due to lack of protection,” one speaker said. “We try to help whenever arrests are made, but we cannot continue this way.”

In a strong appeal, the monarchs demanded the immediate release of security vehicles and motorcycles locked up at local government secretariats, which they say were purchased with their own contributions.

“Those vehicles are not doing anything in the secretariat,” they said. “They should be used to protect lives and properties.”

They also condemned the worsening state of fear among traditional rulers, revealing that many have fled their palaces and now live in Ilorin for safety.

“Even the Onikoro incident is still fresh. Some colleagues have received threat letters from the criminals announcing when they intend to attack,” one of them added.

Farming, the mainstay of local life, has been crippled. “I swear by God Almighty, I have seen it myself our people are afraid to go to the farm,” a visibly distressed royal lamented.

Despite all these, the monarchs reiterated their loyalty to the current government.

“We are 100% behind this government. We have shown this repeatedly. So, it’s time for the government to stand with us,” they urged.

They cited an example of local philanthropy, noting that Dr. Thomas Adeyemi recently donated ₦10 million to security efforts.

“We are not sleeping on our part. But the machinery to do this work better is with the government.”

In conclusion, the leaders warned that the security situation has reached a boiling point.

“This is not the life we envisaged. We are saddened, we are not happy. Our cries are masked by the robes we wear. But we cannot pretend anymore,” one monarch declared.

The traditional rulers called for immediate intervention, including the deployment of security personnel, equipment, and active collaboration with community vigilantes to restore safety to Ibomina land and beyond.