By Abbanobi -Eku Onyeka, Abuja
The Senate on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in Kwara North Senatorial District. Lawmakers cited recurring killings, kidnappings, attacks on communities, and the recent burning of the palace of the Emir of Yashikira by armed criminals.
The motion, titled “Urgent Need for Federal Government Intervention to Address the Re-occurring Insecurity in Kwara North Senatorial District,” was sponsored by Senator Sadiq Suleiman Umar. It was presented during plenary presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Presenting the motion, Senator Umar reminded the Senate that security is the primary responsibility of government as guaranteed under Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended. He said the government must act decisively to protect lives and property.
He lamented that Kwara North had in recent months witnessed an alarming deterioration of security. According to him, the district has been plagued by killings, kidnappings, destruction of property, and attacks on innocent citizens across several communities.
The lawmaker recalled that several months after the tragic Woro massacre, many victims remain in captivity. He told the Senate that women and children abducted during the attack are still held by their captors, while their families continue to suffer untold hardship and psychological trauma.
Drawing attention to attacks on traditional institutions, Senator Umar disclosed that on the eve of the recent Sallah celebrations, armed criminals attacked and set ablaze the palace of the Emir of Yashikira. The attackers abducted several members of his family, including some of his wives and children, an act he said undermines the sanctity of traditional institutions.
The senator further informed lawmakers that communities in Patigi Local Government Area have continued to suffer repeated attacks and kidnappings. He described the situation as creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among residents who now live under constant threat.
He also raised concerns over Edu Local Government Area. Several villages within the LGA have come under attack, and in a disturbing development, criminal elements recently invaded Lafiagi Township, killing and abducting residents. He said this demonstrates the growing boldness and operational capacity of the criminals.
According to him, the security challenge is compounded by the difficult terrain of the Kainji Lake axis. The vast Kainji Lake National Park, forest reserves and adjoining ungoverned spaces continue to provide safe havens and operational bases for criminal elements operating within Kwara North and neighbouring states.
While commending the efforts of security agencies, local vigilantes and community leaders, Senator Umar said the persistence of attacks clearly indicates the need for stronger government intervention. He warned that failure to decisively address criminal elements operating within the Kainji Lake forest axis may further embolden them and deepen the security crisis.
Following deliberations, the Senate unanimously adopted all prayers in the motion. The upper chamber urged the Federal Government to strengthen security architecture in Kwara North through additional military bases, deployment of more personnel and equipment, and intensified joint operations to root out criminals from the Kainji Lake forest axis. The Senate also called on security agencies to intensify efforts toward the rescue of all kidnapped victims still in captivity, and observed a minute of silence in honour of citizens who lost their lives in the attacks.
Senate raises alarm over Kwara North insecurity: Woro victims still in captivity
