Kwara State, fondly called the State of Harmony, is now grappling with growing security threats that demand urgent and proactive action.
Once renowned for peace, the state is witnessing an influx of criminal elements, leading to rising insecurity and disturbing attacks in some communities. Banditry, kidnappings, and terrorism have left residents unsettled, with lives lost, properties destroyed, and socio-economic activities disrupted.
Although the government and security agencies have made efforts to tackle the menace, stakeholders insist that much more needs to be done. They suggested collaboration, proactiveness, prayers and unity.
Speaking with BusinessDay, Venerable Cornelius Amusan, an Anglican Church Pastor in Ilorin, commended Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for his developmental strides but stressed that security must be prioritized.
“If all these monumental works are to last and benefit the people of Kwara, the government must double efforts in securing lives and property. Without safety, no development will be appreciated or sustainable.
“The recent spate of kidnappings and killings must be decisively addressed with the full force of the law. Citizens too must join hands with government in strengthening security across the state,” he said
On his part, Public Analyst, Aliyu Musa linked the crisis to weak intelligence management and lack of proactive leadership.
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“Bandits and kidnappers didn’t just appear overnight. Intelligence reports were ignored. Even with daily attacks, has the government shown readiness to face this challenge? Every life lost is an indictment on the state,” he said.
He urged security agencies to improve local intelligence gathering and called on citizens to embrace vigilance, “The first law of life is survival. To survive, we must be our brother’s keeper.”
Similarly, Abdullah Imam, a public commentator, warned that Kwara must learn from other states where insecurity worsened due to inaction.
“It is pathetic that we are now hearing of bandits in Kwara, which had been peaceful. If we act quickly, we can prevent escalation. But if ignored, we may face devastating consequences,” he cautioned.
Imam called for tighter border security, noting that porous entry points allow unchecked influx of criminal elements.
He also advised citizens to report suspicious activities, stressing the importance of the “see something, say something” principle.
Hadji Olufemi Yusuf, spokesperson of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kwara, cautioned against politicizing security concerns.
“At this trying time, stakeholders must set aside politics and pray for lasting peace, security, and prosperity in Kwara,” he urged.
He highlighted local security interventions to include; procurement of 20 motorcycles for local security outfits, employment and training of 100 forest guards enrolled in the State Health Insurance Scheme, supply of 50 bulletproof vests and modern security gadgets, non-indigene registration to maintain accurate population data, opening of access roads to disrupt kidnappers’ hideouts and facilitate swift response by security agents.
Meanwhile, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, through his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, reassured citizens of his administration’s commitment to public safety.
“As we mount bold resistance against criminality, we must strike the right balance to avoid undermining our collective wellbeing. Together, we will rid our communities of criminal elements as security forces and vigilantes collaborate to strengthen public safety,” he said.
The governor further disclosed that the Nigerian Army has extended Operation Fansan Yamma to Kwara, aligning with its national mandate to reinforce internal security.
