Residents of Kwara South took to the streets on Friday, expressing deep concern over escalating insecurity in the region. The protest, organized by the Kwara South Development Forum, highlighted the growing fear among communities grappling with a surge in killings, kidnappings, and forced displacement.
During the demonstration, protesters warned that armed groups have increasingly launched coordinated attacks, leaving local communities vulnerable and straining existing security measures. According to participants, even vigilante groups, once a key line of defense, are struggling to contain the threat.
Speaking during the protest, the forum’s convener, Obashola Ayomide Ridwan, said residents were forced to mobilise in order to draw attention to the deteriorating situation.
“Our mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers have been killed and kidnapped, while our schools have been shut down in Kwara South,” he said.
He appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to urgently step in by strengthening local vigilante groups and boosting the capacity of security agencies.
Other protesters recounted repeated attacks and abductions, saying many communities have been deserted due to fear and ongoing insecurity.
A resident, Adebisi Jimoh, said several families in Babanla and surrounding settlements had fled their homes following persistent assaults and kidnappings.
“Our community has become deserted. Many of us have been chased out of our homes,” he said.
Another protester, Sodiq Amidu, alleged that some victims were released only after huge ransom payments, while others were not so fortunate.
Residents also said the attacks have disrupted economic activities, forced the closure of schools, and led to widespread abandonment of farmlands in affected areas.
Findings show that local government areas such as Ifelodun, Ekiti, Oke-Ero, and Irepodun have recorded frequent cases of abductions and violent attacks in recent weeks.
The protesters urged traditional rulers and government authorities to coordinate swift action, warning that failure to address the situation could worsen the humanitarian crisis in the region.
They called for increased deployment of security personnel, intelligence-driven operations, and stronger support for local vigilante networks to restore safety and stability.
