Irked by the incessant incidences of abduction and wanton killings in their community, the people of Lafiagi, the headquarters of the Edu local government area of Kwara State, yesterday embarked on a violent protest, torching some government property in the process.
The protesters, mainly youths, allegedly set ablaze the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, office in Lafiagi and vandalised the palace of the Emir of Lafiagi.
They decried the worsening security situation in their community and other parts of Kwara North.
The protesters carrying placards with various inscriptions lamenting their plight demanded the government’s urgent intervention.
“We have been crying and dying in silence,” a resident said in a viral video clip, adding that, “people are being kidnapped every week. We don’t sleep with both eyes closed anymore”.
“The youths are exhausted. The frequency of attacks has increased, which is why the protest erupted today (Monday), ” a resident said.
LEADERSHIP reports that Lafiagi and its environs have experienced numerous abductions in recent weeks, with many residents still being held captive by the gunmen as of the time of filing this report.
LEADERSHIP gathered that families of victims have paid substantial ransoms to secure the release of their loved ones.
LEADERSHIP recalls that on Monday, June 23, 2025, suspected Kidnappers killed a 45 45-year-old businessman, Alh Dauda Ismail, in Okuta community of Baruten local government area, also in Kwara North.
It was gathered that the farm produce merchant was abducted and killed by his assailants at the Takare area of the Okuta community.
The spokesperson of the Kwara State Police Command, Toun Ejire, who confirmed the incident in a statement, said policemen also neutralised one of the suspects who kidnapped and killed the businessman during the exchange of gunfire.
She added that a local vigilante also lost his life in the crossfire between the policemen and the suspected kidnappers.
Also on Tuesday, June 24, 2015, suspected Kidnappers reportedly killed a businessman cum politician, Alh Abdullahi Kpotun at Lile village in Patigi local government area of Kwara State.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the gunmen killed Kpotun and his son during an attempt to abduct the duo.
An agrochemical merchant was reportedly abducted from his Lafiagi home on Saturday afternoon after a fierce battle between the gunmen and the local vigilantes guarding the victim’s residence.
Unconfirmed reports also claimed that three Fulani women were kidnapped in Lafiagi on Sunday, June 29, 2025.
Protest: Security Commanders Visit Lafiagi
A high-powered government security delegation has visited Lafiagi, the headquarters of the Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, following the protest that rocked the community.
The Senior Special Assistant on Security to the Governor of the State, Alhaji Muideen Aliyu, explained that “tension in Lafiagi was related to various community issues, including security operations targeting hard drug dealers.”
The security delegation comprised the Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi; Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins; and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, Alhaji Muideen Aliyu.
They were received by the Chairman of the Local Government, Honourable Abdullahi Bello; Development Officer for Edu, Alhaji Haruna Likpata; Commissioner for Youth Development, Shehu Usman; and Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission, Bello Abubakar.
“The protest in the morning was related to the recent arrests of suspected drug dealers. The protesters took advantage of the anxiety surrounding recent security breaches to launch an attack on the NDLEA office, where they burned three vehicles and motorcycles, released three suspects, and carted away substances seized from the dealers. They also attempted to attack the Emir’s Palace because, according to them, he did not intervene to stop the NDLEA from arresting the suspected drug dealers and smokers,” the security adviser stated.
Aliyu added: “This is sheer criminality, and we condemn it entirely. The soldiers and other security forces have managed to restore calm in Lafiagi town. We also visited the palace, where we addressed everyone on the need to maintain peace and order.
“They expressed their gratitude to His Excellency Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for the swift intervention. Normalcy has returned, and further security deployments have been made by the police and the army.
“It is important to note that no lives were lost in the incident on Monday morning. We caution people against taking the law into their own hands.”
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