Anu Ibiwoye, a prominent political and community leader in Kwara State, has raised alarm over the intensifying security challenges in the southern region, particularly in Ifelodun Local Government Area.
He described the current wave of banditry as the most severe the area has ever faced, with communities living in constant fear and many residents fleeing their homes.
Ibiwoye highlighted that the insecurity is not confined to Ifelodun alone but extends across all seven local governments in Kwara South. He noted that the attacks are indiscriminate, affecting both rural and urban areas, with kidnappings occurring in towns, villages, farms, and even within homes. The assailants operate without restraint, striking at any time of the day or night, and have been responsible for the deaths of vigilantes, security personnel, and civilians alike.
The socio-economic impact of these attacks has been devastating. Many communities have been deserted, markets are closed, and farms left untended. Residents who remain are often forced to pay ransoms to secure the release of loved ones, draining their financial resources and exacerbating poverty levels.
Ibiwoye also expressed concern over the involvement of foreign elements in the attacks, with some victims reporting that the bandits spoke languages unfamiliar to the region, suggesting that they may not be Nigerian nationals. He criticized the state government’s response, stating that there has been a lack of meaningful action to address the crisis and provide relief to affected communities.
In his appeal to the government, Ibiwoye emphasized the need for a coordinated and proactive approach to combat the banditry, restore security, and rebuild the affected communities. He urged that the issue be treated with the seriousness it deserves, beyond political considerations, to ensure the safety and well-being of the people of Kwara South.
