Kwara South is burning, KSYC tells KWSG, Security Agents, says no one is safe
As concerned youths of Kwara South who have been unwavering advocates for the safety, development, and progress of our communities, we are deeply troubled by the alarming rise in insecurity in the region. The recent surge in violent incidents, particularly in Kwara South, has led to horrific acts such as the brutal killings of innocent civilians, rampant kidnappings, and the forced displacement of villagers from their ancestral homes. This crisis primarily affects the most vulnerable segments of our population, including women, children, and the elderly.
Disturbing reports indicate that in several instances, armed bandits have brazenly spent hours terrorizing communities, carrying out their heinous acts without any timely intervention from law enforcement or other security agencies. If left unaddressed, this escalating situation poses catastrophic consequences for the livelihood and safety of our people across the various local government areas, including Ekiti, Ifelodun, Isin, Oke Ero, Oyun, Offa, and Irepodun in Kwara South.
The human cost of this insecurity is staggering; thousands have been displaced, and local kings have repeatedly cried out for assistance to no avail. A particularly distressing event occurred in Ganmun Aliheri within the Ifelodun local government area, where residents were forced to abandon their homes due to the imminent threat to their lives. Many of these villagers have become refugees in nearby towns, facing severe hardships without access to food or shelter. This once-thriving town now hauntingly resembles a “ghost town.”
Farmers in Kwara South have also been severely affected, with many abandoning their fields out of fear of potential kidnappings or violence from bandits. Despite this dire predicament, the situation continues to deteriorate alarmingly. In just this year alone, over 20 communities have been attacked, and countless individuals have been kidnapped. Families are frequently coerced into paying exorbitant ransoms, often amounting to millions of Naira, for the release of their loved ones. Tragically, in many instances, those taken are lost forever. Throughout this turmoil, the Kwara State Governor and his administration have displayed a concerning lack of empathy. At the same time, security agencies appear to be either ineffective or unwilling to take decisive action.
Only a few days ago, Oba Isiaka Sadiku Lawal, the Onisagbe of Shagbe, shared a poignant voice note that quickly went viral. In it, he detailed how bandits have systematically invaded various towns within his district, including Ologomon, Eweagon, Alabe-Idera, Owode, and Alasoro. Many residents have been kidnapped, homes have been engulfed in flames, and widespread destruction has ensued—adding to the strains of inflation and widespread suffering occurring across the nation.
As concerned youths, we have conducted visits to numerous communities such as Oreke, Babanla, Share, Oke Ode, Babanlomo, Osi, Ayedun, Igbonla, and Omu Aran. Tragically, the narrative remains consistent: bandits operate with impunity, unchallenged by any effective response. This is an incredibly distressing time for us in Kwara South.
In light of these dire circumstances, we call for the urgent establishment of a temporary military base in key strategic locations throughout Kwara South before it is too late. Local security arrangements implemented by various communities are being overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the threat. We have reached a consensus that our political leaders have fundamentally failed us during this critical juncture. Therefore, we strongly urge our traditional rulers to rise to the occasion and voice their concerns when necessary. The security threat facing our region is quickly spiraling into a grave crisis that demands immediate and effective action.
