Kwara South Leaders Decry Rising Insecurity, Accuse Government of Indifference
Communities in Kwara South are raising fresh alarms over what they describe as the government’s failure to adequately tackle rising insecurity in the region. Local leaders and youth groups say residents are living in fear as kidnappings, highway attacks, and bandit incursions continue unabated.
During a live interview with Channels Television, community leader Anu Ibiwoye faulted the Kwara State government for showing little concern for the plight of affected communities.
He accused authorities of failing to provide both practical solutions and emotional support for victims.
“We have not seen empathy from the state government,” Ibiwoye said, stressing that residents have been left to deal with the situation on their own.
The concern comes against the backdrop of repeated cases of abduction and violent crime in several parts of Kwara South. Farmers, commuters, and traders have been particularly affected, with many abandoning farmlands and markets due to fear of attack.
In reaction, the Kwara South Youths Congress (KSYC) recently issued a statement demanding urgent intervention, including the deployment of military personnel to volatile areas. The group warned that the worsening insecurity threatens not only lives but also the economic survival of the region.
Social media has also been awash with videos and reports from residents accusing some commercial truck drivers of aiding criminal groups.
Protesters have called on security agencies to intensify highway checks and investigate alleged collaborators.
Although the Kwara State government has in the past announced the introduction of new initiatives to address insecurity, community leaders argue that such measures have not translated into visible improvements.
Many insist that the government has yet to present a clear plan of action, leaving locals uncertain about their safety.
Analysts note that Kwara South’s geographical position—bordering Kogi, Ekiti, and Osun States—makes it vulnerable to cross-border criminal activities. Security experts say effective intervention will require stronger coordination between state authorities, federal agencies, and local vigilante networks.
Residents are now urging Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to back words with decisive action, ranging from increased deployment of security personnel and surveillance technology to direct support for families affected by abductions.
For many in Kwara South, the demand is simple: government empathy must be matched with concrete security measures to restore peace and confidence across the region.
