Senate calls for permanent military base to tackle insecurity in Kwara

The Senate has urged the Federal Government to set up a permanent military base in Kwara South Senatorial District, targeting the forested areas of Ifelodun Local Government Area as a strategic location for rapid response against escalating insecurity.

The resolution was made following a motion by Senator Lola Ashiru, who highlighted the urgent need to address the growing threats of kidnappings, attacks, and other criminal activities in the district.

Senators emphasized that establishing a military presence in the area would strengthen security operations and provide quick intervention to protect residents and communities from further violence.

Raising the alarm over the spate of kidnappings, killings, and attacks by armed bandits, the Senate expressed grave concern about the deteriorating security situation, especially in the concerned LGA, where entire communities had been displaced.

‘In just the past month, no fewer than 12 forest guards and local vigilante members were ambushed and killed by armed bandits in Oke-Ode.

“Among those slain were traditional rulers and community leaders from Ogba-Ayo, Babanla, Sagbe, Oro Ago, and Ganmu-Alheri,” Ashiru stated.

He also noted that in the last year, over 142 people had been kidnapped and more than 70 killed across Kwara South, with at least 25 communities abandoned due to repeated attacks, leading to humanitarian crises and social disruption.

The Senate, therefore, urged the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector-General of Police to deploy more troops and special units to clear criminal elements from the forests and restore peace in the affected areas.

There are growing concerns about the level insecurity in the state.

In August, gunmen attacked Babanla community in Ifelodun, killing five persons including a police officer, Adejumo Wasiu.

On October 2, gunmen reportedly abducted a police officer in the Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Ezra John, who is attached to the Lade Division, was said to be returning from official duty at the Patigi General Hospital to his base in Lade when the incident occurred.

The incident, which happened along the Patigi–Lade road, a route notorious for frequent criminal attacks, sparked renewed fears among residents.

But Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state, saying that nowhere in Kwara will be safe for criminal elements, including kidnappers.

“I have assurances from the security forces to smoke out and eliminate the criminals from their hideouts. We will fight insecurity with every resource at our disposal.

“Kwara will not be a hiding place for criminals. To any criminal who seeks to destabilise the peace in Kwara, you may run, but you cannot escape justice,” he stated after a security council meeting.

(Channels)