Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi has made a heartfelt appeal to the people of Kwara State to stay united and maintain calm in the wake of a disturbing surge in terrorist attacks across the region. The rising insecurity has left many residents fearful and anxious, prompting public figures like Awoniyi to speak out and encourage resilience among locals.
Recent incidents have amplified concern for the safety of civilians. A widely circulated video on Tuesday showed armed men violently attacking a church in the state, resulting in the deaths of three people and the abduction of the pastor along with multiple worshippers. The attack took place during a church service, further shocking residents and highlighting the growing audacity of these violent groups.
In addition to the church attack, another group of armed men ambushed travelers along the Ilorin-Kabba road, further escalating fears and unrest in the state. Social media quickly became a hub for outrage and calls for immediate action, with many users sharing videos and first-hand accounts of the attacks. The incidents have prompted renewed debate over security lapses and the need for urgent government intervention to prevent further casualties.
Awoniyi appeals for harmony
Taiwo Awoniyi, who hails from Kwara and also runs a charitable foundation operating within the state, addressed the attacks on his official Instagram account on Wednesday. He reminded residents of Kwara’s longstanding reputation as “The State of Harmony” and stressed the importance of unity, tolerance, and collective resilience in the face of adversity.
“The State of Harmony is one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria… Peace shall reign,” Awoniyi wrote. “Kwara State stands for peace, and that’s what we will continue to uphold. It is essential that we remain calm, support one another, and do everything possible to protect our communities.”
Security concerns extend beyond public figures
While Awoniyi’s voice carries considerable influence both nationally and internationally, he acknowledged that addressing the security crisis requires more than moral encouragement. The problem is systemic, as terrorist and bandit activities, once concentrated in Nigeria’s northern regions, have now spread to several states, including Kwara, exposing gaps in national security measures and operational preparedness.
Successive administrations have often downplayed these incidents, labelling them as mere “bandit attacks,” despite their increasingly organized and deadly nature. Analysts argue that without decisive government action, including improved intelligence, law enforcement support, and community engagement, the threat to civilians will continue to escalate, putting more lives at risk.
Awoniyi’s intervention, therefore, is both symbolic and practical: symbolic in highlighting the moral duty of citizens to remain united in the face of violence, and practical in urging authorities to take immediate steps to prevent further attacks. Residents and stakeholders across Kwara are calling for increased security patrols, rapid response units, and sustained efforts to dismantle armed groups that continue to terrorize communities.
The message is clear: while prominent figures like Awoniyi can provide guidance and support, the ultimate responsibility lies with government agencies and security forces to ensure that the people of Kwara can live without fear. The call for peace and action resonates strongly in a state striving to maintain its historical reputation for harmony amidst an escalating climate of insecurity.