NDLEA office, Emir’s palace set ablaze as protest turns violent in Kwara

Youths in Lafiagi, a community in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, took to the streets on Monday to protest the growing wave of insecurity that has gripped the region.

The demonstrators, visibly angry and frustrated, marched through major roads holding placards and chanting songs to express their displeasure over the persistent cases of kidnappings, killings, and terrorist attacks that have plagued their communities in recent times.

Many of the protesters accused the government of abandoning its primary duty of protecting lives and property, lamenting that residents now live in constant fear of being attacked or abducted.

They called for immediate and decisive action to halt the wave of violence that has disrupted normal life in the region.

A video clip from the protest captured scenes of the crowd expressing outrage and demanding justice, urging authorities to restore peace and security to their communities.

The irate youths set fire to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, office in Lafiagi and vandalised the palace of the Emir of Lafiagi, smashing windows and damaging parts of the building.

“We have been crying and dying in silence,” a resident said in the video clip. “People are being kidnapped every week. We don’t sleep with both eyes closed anymore, and nobody, neither the governor, the chairman, nor even the Emir, is doing anything about it.”

The protest, sources said, was triggered by accumulated anger over persistent attacks and lack of effective response from local and state authorities.

“The youths are exhausted, and there has been no concrete action from the government,” a source stated. “The frequency of attacks has increased, which is why the protest erupted today.”

The unrest reportedly escalated as protesters moved toward key government buildings, including security agency offices. According to eyewitnesses, the NDLEA facility was set ablaze during the demonstration.

Lafiagi and neighbouring communities have experienced several abductions in recent weeks, with multiple residents still being held captive.

Families of the victims have reportedly paid substantial ransoms to secure the release of their loved ones.

Recall that three Fulani women were abducted in the area on Sunday.