Communities across Kwara State have been plunged into fear and uncertainty following a disturbing surge in violent attacks, kidnappings, and criminal activities, with residents expressing growing concerns over their safety and livelihoods.
The latest incident, reported by Sahara Reporters, involved the abduction of two Chinese nationals who were working on the BUA road construction project spanning the Bode Saadu/Kaiama/Kosubosu road. The masked assailants struck in the early hours of December 1, opening sporadic gunfire for hours before forcibly taking the men to an unknown location. Eyewitnesses described the attackers as highly organized, moving swiftly and disappearing without leaving traces, leaving the community shocked and terrified.
This violent episode is part of a broader pattern of insecurity that has gripped the state. In a recent incident, six local farmers were kidnapped in Lata community, Patigi Local Government Area, by armed bandits, highlighting the increasing boldness and frequency of criminal activities targeting civilians. The abductions have sparked widespread panic, with residents fleeing their homes and abandoning daily activities to avoid becoming victims.
In another alarming development, laborers on a local farm were chased away by armed bandits on Tuesday, who also stole a seven-month-old Haojue motorcycle belonging to a resident businessman. Such attacks have created an atmosphere of terror, particularly in rural areas, where farmers and traders are struggling to sustain their work amid escalating threats.
Communities across both Kwara South and North are experiencing an unprecedented sense of vulnerability, with residents reporting that bandits now operate with near impunity. Farmers fear that persistent attacks may force them to abandon their farmlands entirely, potentially affecting food production and local economies. Local traders and small business owners are similarly worried that ongoing insecurity may disrupt commerce and livelihoods in the region.
The recent spate of kidnappings comes on the heels of similar incidents in neighboring areas, such as Eruku in Ekiti Local Government Area, where an armed gang abducted a farmer just days after 38 worshippers of the Christ Apostolic Church were released by the federal government. These repeated attacks underscore a troubling pattern of criminal impunity that continues to challenge law enforcement and government agencies.
As insecurity worsens, community members are calling for urgent government intervention to restore safety and stability in the state. Many warn that without immediate action, Kwara’s communities could soon become uninhabitable, with residents forced to abandon homes, farms, and businesses. The sustained violence threatens not only lives but also the economic well-being of countless families who rely on agriculture and local commerce for survival.
Residents continue to appeal to the state and federal authorities to deploy adequate security measures, enhance intelligence gathering, and prosecute perpetrators to curb the wave of violence. Until such interventions occur, fear remains pervasive, and the daily routines of Kwara State’s citizens are severely disrupted, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive security solutions.