The Kwara South Youth Congress has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene in the escalating insecurity in parts of Kwara State by directing Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to implement stronger safety measures across vulnerable rural communities.
The group urged the President to mandate the state government to embark on a comprehensive security awareness campaign and consider the temporary relocation of military bases to affected areas until lasting peace is restored.
In a letter addressed to Tinubu and signed by its President, Dr Oluwatobi Afolayan, and Public Relations Officer, Mr Bashir Adejare, the group warned that failure to act could force them to demand a state of emergency in the state.
They also called on the President to compel Governor AbdulRazaq to sign death warrants for convicted criminals, a step they argued would serve as a deterrent to would-be offenders.
“The last time a Nigerian governor signed a death warrant was in June 2012 when then Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, did so,” the group said.
“Over 5,100 inmates remain on death row nationwide. Signing their warrants will send a strong message.”
The youth body also advocated the creation of a specialised security force focused solely on tackling kidnapping, insurgency and other violent crimes. They stressed the need for rural residents to be trained on how to respond swiftly to potential threats.
Accusing the state government of negligence, the group said the recent killing of 15 people — including a traditional leader — in Oke-Ode, Ifelodun Local Government Area, exemplified the deteriorating security situation.
“Local vigilantes who tried to defend the community were shot dead after the withdrawal of military support.
“For 72 hours, the governor has neither visited the area nor shown empathy, yet he finds time to attend political events in other state”,the statement said.
The youth group also criticised the AbdulRazaq administration for allegedly prioritising politics over public safety, noting that insecurity was also rising in Kwara North, including Lafiagi and Patigi.
They urged Tinubu to address the situation directly, pointing out that opposition figures such as Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi had already issued statements condemning the attacks.
“The Oke-Ode tragedy has drawn national attention.
“We now await your national address on this disturbing development.”they added.
