Residents Erupt in Protest in Kwara Over Insecurity, Vandalise Emir’s Palace, Burn NDLEA Office
Tensions have reached a boiling point in Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, as angry residents took to the streets on Monday to protest the growing wave of terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and killings ravaging their communities.
TheWatchNG gathered that the protest, led mainly by frustrated youths, turned violent as demonstrators set fire to the local office of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and vandalised sections of the Emir of Lafiagi’s palace.
Eyewitnesses say the action was born out of years of neglect, with government officials and traditional rulers accused of turning a blind eye to the worsening security crisis.
“We have been crying and dying in silence,” one resident said. “People are kidnapped every week. We don’t sleep with our two eyes closed anymore, and no one neither the governor, the chairman, nor the Emir is doing anything about it.”
Kidnappings Escalate in Lafiagi and Surrounding Villages
The protests follow a series of recent abductions that have left the region on edge. In the past 24 hours alone, at least three people have been kidnapped in separate incidents.
Among the latest victims is a well-known Point of Sale (POS) operator, identified as Yman, who was abducted on Sunday night in Lafiagi town. In the early hours of Monday, two Hausa men were also taken during a violent raid in Kokodo village. A young girl narrowly escaped the attack by fleeing into the bush.
These incidents come on the heels of the recent kidnapping of a prominent agro-chemical dealer known locally as Alhaji Chemical, who was abducted from his home in the Taiwo area of Lafiagi around 1:00 a.m. on Sunday. The attackers, believed to be armed Fulani bandits, reportedly arrived on motorcycles and overpowered local vigilantes before whisking him away.
“The attacks are becoming too rampant,” another local source told TheWatchNG. “The government is not responding, and the people are tired. That’s why today’s protest erupted.”
Frustration Boils Over: Emir’s Palace Attacked, NDLEA Office Set Ablaze
In response to the unrelenting wave of violence and lack of government intervention, protesters targeted government and traditional institutions.
Videos circulating on social media show thick plumes of smoke rising from the NDLEA office in Lafiagi, which was set ablaze. Protesters also stormed the Emir’s palace, smashing windows and damaging parts of the building.
“The youths are angry,” a resident said. “Our leaders are doing nothing. We live in fear every single day.”
No Word Yet From Abductors, Security Forces Mobilise
As of the time of this report, no contact has been made with the kidnappers. Community vigilantes and security forces have reportedly been briefed and are working to secure the release of the abducted victims.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere in Lafiagi remains tense as residents continue to demand immediate action from Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and other government officials.
