Prominent elders and stakeholders from Kwara North Senatorial District, under the aegis of the Kwara North Development Commission (KNDC), have raised alarm over worsening insecurity in the region, revealing that no fewer than 1,200 people have been killed, while hundreds remain in captivity since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in 2023.
The group warned that unless urgent and decisive steps are taken to restore security, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) risks losing the goodwill and political support of the people ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its National President, Alhaji Abdullahi Manzuma, and Publicity Secretary, Hajia Zainab Seko, the group lamented what it described as the “near-total collapse” of security in the area. It accused the Tinubu administration of failing to curb the escalating wave of banditry and terrorism across the district.
According to the statement, the crisis has devastated communities in the five local government areas of Baruten, Kaiama, Edu, Patigi, and Moro, resulting in widespread displacement, abandoned farmlands, and a sharp decline in economic activities.
The group noted that the region, once regarded as the food basket of Kwara State, has been severely affected by persistent attacks from armed groups operating freely across its rural communities.
“Our people are living in constant fear. Entire communities have been displaced. More than 1,200 lives have been lost, while many of our sons, daughters, wives, and husbands remain in captivity in the hands of terrorists and bandits,” the statement said.
It added that the region’s economy has been crippled, particularly the agricultural sector, which serves as the backbone of local livelihoods.
“Agriculture has suffered greatly. Farmers can no longer access their farmlands safely, while traders and buyers are reluctant to come into the area due to security concerns. Consequently, farm produce is going to waste,” the group stated.
While acknowledging the efforts of the Kwara State Government under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the group maintained that the ultimate responsibility for safeguarding lives and property rests with the Federal Government.
“We recognise that the state government is doing its best within the limits of its constitutional powers. However, the buck stops with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
“This situation has gone beyond a local challenge. It is a national security emergency that requires urgent and decisive federal intervention,” the statement added.
The stakeholders also expressed concern that the deteriorating security situation has begun to disrupt long-standing social and cultural traditions in the region.
“For the first time in our history, many of our people chose not to return home during festive periods due to fear of attacks. This underscores the severity of the crisis,” the group said.
Describing the people of the region as peace-loving and predominantly agrarian, the group decried what it termed prolonged suffering and neglect.
It further warned that continued insecurity could have political consequences, noting that it would be difficult to mobilise support for any political party in an environment where citizens are struggling for survival.
“It is unrealistic to campaign to communities under siege—to mothers who have lost their children and to fathers who can no longer provide for their families because their livelihoods have been destroyed. Politics cannot thrive where survival is the primary concern,” the group said.
The KNDC therefore called on President Tinubu to deploy all necessary security resources to the region to ensure the protection of lives and property.
“We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the father of the nation, to rise to this challenge and take immediate steps to secure our communities from terrorism and banditry.
“The people of Kwara North have always been loyal to the APC-led government and remain patriotic citizens of Nigeria. What they seek is not charity, but security, justice, and the opportunity to live and work in peace,” the statement added.
The group concluded that restoring security in the region would not only save lives but also revive agricultural production and economic activities vital to the food security of Kwara State and the country at large.