As insecurity continues to escalate in Kwara State, particularly in Kwara South, Eminent Peace Ambassador, Amb. Dr. Samuel Olanrewaju Bill, has called on government at all levels and stakeholders to take urgent and decisive action to restore peace and security.
In a press statement signed and distributed to journalists in Abuja, Amb. Bill described Kwara as a state once known for its peaceful atmosphere, but now “grappling with rising insecurity, particularly in Kwara South. Bandit attacks, kidnappings, and raids on farmlands have become increasingly common, causing widespread fear and displacement among residents,” he said.
The Peace Ambassador lamented the recent tragedy in Oke-Ode community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of the State, where terrorists suspected to be armed bandits attacked on Sunday, killing several local vigilante members and residents while abducting others. According to eyewitnesses, the attackers stormed the agrarian town in large numbers, armed with superior weapons, and engaged the vigilantes in a fierce confrontation.
Amb. Bill noted that reports indicate over 200 people have been killed, many injured, and countless kidnapped in recent months, with more than 20 communities displaced. He stressed that communities in Isin, Ifelodun, Irepodun, Oke Ero, Ekiti, Baruten, Kaiama, and Edu Local Government Areas have borne the brunt of these attacks. “Residents have been forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in Ilorin, the state capital, and other cities,” he added.
The insecurity, he said, has also crippled local economies. “Farmlands have been abandoned and markets closed, while many communities have already become ghost towns,” Amb. Bill observed.
Given the gravity of the situation, he urged the government and stakeholders to adopt immediate strategies to counter the growing threat. He listed a series of recommendations including enhanced security measures, community engagement, and stronger collaboration.
According to him, government should strengthen intelligence gathering and deploy additional military personnel supported by Air Force surveillance, engage local communities to build trust and encourage them to share information on threats, foster collaboration between security agencies, government officials, stakeholders, and community leaders, cut off escape routes along the Niger and Kogi borders while sealing porous entry points, and, train and equip vigilantes, hunters, and youths familiar with the terrain.
He also charged the government to establish permanent military bases, particularly in Kwara South, deploy drones, reconnaissance, and surveillance technology for monitoring, take proactive measures to disrupt and neutralize threats before they occur, show strong political will in confronting terrorists and their collaborators and form a joint security board involving federal and state governments, traditional rulers, and security agencies.
Amb. Bill emphasised that the challenge exceeds the capacity of Kwara State Government alone, urging the Federal Government to intervene decisively. “The Federal Government must step in with bold, coordinated measures due to the importance and strategic nature of Kwara State,” he said.
He further warned that Kwara’s unique position makes the situation more dangerous. “Kwara is not just another Nigerian state; it is a bridge between North and South, and between the Arewa North and the Yoruba South-West, and this bridge must not collapse,” he stressed.
According to him, unchecked insecurity in Kwara could worsen ethnic suspicions and even spark wider conflicts. “Some already fear a deliberate attempt at land takeover, which, if unchecked, could spiral into a wider Yoruba mobilization and ethnic conflict,” he cautioned.
He also expressed concern that Kwara’s vast landmass, the ninth largest in Nigeria, could turn into a permanent stronghold for terrorists if urgent steps are not taken.
Amb. Bill highlighted the wider implications of the crisis, noting that it threatens food security. “Kwara State is one of the major states in terms of agricultural output and food production, and this insecurity has already sent thousands away from their farms. This is dangerous as it threatens food security,” he said.
He added that continued attacks in the state would embolden criminals in other parts of the country. “Continued free rein for bandits in Kwara will embolden other terrorist groups across Nigeria, especially southern Nigeria, as it borders Kwara State,” he warned.
While commending security forces for their sacrifices, he urged them to modernise their operations in line with global best practices. He outlined five core principles that should guide national security. These include Air and Space Dominance to monitor skies and forests and ensure rapid response, modern technology including drones, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems, strong intelligence and special operations for precision strikes and quick neutralization, cyber and electronic warfare to disrupt enemy communication and funding and reliable logistics and strong partnwrships to sustain operations effectively.
Amb. Bill insisted that Kwara is at a tipping point. “The situation is worse than has been reported. Delay will not only cost more lives but also risk destabilizing Nigeria and even the West African sub-region,” he said.
He concluded by stressing the need for collective action to restore confidence among citizens. “Kwara State must be returned to the symbol of peace and harmony as the current insecurity has shaken the confidence of its citizens. To restore peace, citizens, government, and security agencies must work together to address the root causes of insecurity and develop effective solutions. By doing so, Kwara State can regain its reputation as a peaceful and prosperous state,” the statement read.
“Kwara must be saved and will surely be saved. With courage, strategy, and unity of purpose, we can restore peace and rebuild confidence. Together, we can ensure that our state and our nation remain a safe haven where justice, peace, and prosperity reign,” he affirmed.
