Insecurity in Kwara North: A call to action for Edu and Patigi LGAs

The communities of Edu and Patigi Local Government Areas in Kwara State are under siege. A dark cloud of fear and uncertainty has descended upon these once-peaceful lands as residents grapple with an alarming surge in kidnappings and unlawful killings. The lives of our people are at risk every second, as they wonder where to run for safety. This is an urgent call to action, demanding decisive measures from the Kwara State Governor, other prominent political leaders, and our esteemed representatives to restore peace and ensure justice reigns supreme.

The recent escalation of these heinous acts by criminal elements, often referred to as bandits, is not merely a cause for concern; it is a dire emergency. Families are being torn apart, livelihoods are being destroyed, and the very fabric of community life is being unraveled. The psychological trauma inflicted on those who have witnessed or been victims of these atrocities is immeasurable, and the economic impact on these predominantly agrarian communities is devastating. Farmers, fearing for their lives, can no longer tend to their fields, leading to food insecurity and increased hardship.

We must not, and cannot, allow this reign of terror to continue. The primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property, and it is imperative that the Kwara State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, takes immediate and robust action to address this escalating crisis.

Specifically, I call upon the governor to:

1. Deploy Adequate Security Personnel: There is an urgent need for a significant increase in the presence of security forces – police, military, and civil defence – in the affected communities. These personnel must be well-equipped, motivated, and empowered to confront these criminals decisively.

2. Strengthen Intelligence Gathering: Effective security operations are predicated on reliable intelligence. The state government must invest in improving intelligence gathering mechanisms to identify, track, and apprehend these perpetrators before they strike. This includes fostering better collaboration between security agencies and local communities.

3. Support Local Vigilante Groups (within legal frameworks): While state-backed security is paramount, empowering and integrating responsible local vigilante groups, operating strictly within legal frameworks and under the supervision of statutory security agencies, can provide invaluable support in community policing and intelligence sharing due to their intimate knowledge of the terrain and local dynamics.

4. Provide Support for Victims: The victims of these attacks, and their families, often bear immense physical, psychological, and financial burdens. The government must establish and implement a comprehensive support system for victims, including medical aid, psychologicalcounselingg, and economic empowerment initiatives.

5. Promote Community Engagement and Trust: Building trust between security agencies and the communities is crucial. Regular town hall meetings, community dialogues, and transparent communication can help foster cooperation and encourage residents to provide vital information without fear of reprisal.

Furthermore, I specifically call upon our esteemed representatives, who are the voices of our people in the hallowed chambers of government:

Honourable Ahmed Adamu Saba, Member Representing Edu, Moro, and Patigi Federal Constituency: Your position as our direct representative in the House of Representatives carries immense weight. We urge you to use the full extent of your office to vociferously champion the cause of security in Edu and Patigi. Raise motions, engage with relevant House committees, and tirelessly advocate for federal intervention and resources to tackle these issues.

Senator Sadiq Suleiman: As our Senator, you represent the entire Kwara North Senatorial District, which includes Edu and Patigi. We implore you to leverage your influence in the Senate to draw the urgent attention of the federal security architecture to the plight of our communities. Engage with the Senate Committees on Security and Intelligence, and push for a coordinated federal response to the banditry that threatens our lives.

The time for platitudes and promises is over. The lives of the people of Edu and Patigi LGAs hang in the balance. We urge the Kwara State Governor, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and all relevant political leaders to demonstrate their commitment to the safety and well-being of all citizens by taking immediate, decisive, and sustainable actions to restore peaceful livelihood, bring the perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice, and ensure that our communities can once again thrive in an atmosphere of security and peace. Our collective future depends on it.