Kwara Alternative organises Press Briefing on the Rise of Insecurity in the State, tables 7 Key Demands to Kwara Govt

The Kwara Alternative, a non-partisan organization held a press conference today to raise awareness about the increasing insecurity in Kwara State condemned the State Government’s lack of action and alleged complicity in the face of rising insecurity, killings, and kidnappings across the state, particularly in Kwara North.

The group’s Publicity Secretary, Abdulyekeen Mohd Bashir, delivered a speech titled “We Raise Our Voices for the Dead, the Kidnapped, and the Abandoned,” outlining the extent of the atrocities and accusing Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of “legalized neglect.”

According to the group, intelligence from March 2025 revealed that Zamfara bandits had regrouped in Bani, Kaiama LGA, but the Kwara State Police Command allegedly buried the report, while the state government ignored it. “Now we are digging graves instead of preparing rescue missions,” Bashir stated

The group reported that Lafiagi was attacked twice within a 24-hour period, while Babanla and Oloruntele were overrun by bandits. In Patigi, PDP Ward Chairman Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu Kpotun, his son, and another individual, Timothy Paul, were killed, and a 12-year-old girl was abducted and remains missing.

Communities have been forced to raise up to ₦200 million in ransom, including cash, fuel, and engine oil.

As these tragedies continue to mount, the group condemned the state’s spending of over ₦800 million on Hajj sponsorships for appointees. “There’s money for religious tourism, but not for security,” Bashir added.

They also took a swipe at Kwara North political figures, accusing them of betraying their people in pursuit of the 2027 governorship. “Their ambition is stained with blood,” the statement read.

The Kwara Alternative named Seven demands to Governor AbdulRazaq and the Federal Government

1- Immediate return of the Governor to Kwara to lead security efforts physically

2- A mass peaceful protest in Ilorin if leadership remains absent

3- Deployment of military and tactical security forces to the most affected LGAs

4- Creation of a Kwara State Security and Victim Relief Fund

5- A live public address from the Governor detailing strategy and accountability

6- A judicial probe into the suppression of March 2025 intelligence

7- Declaration of a state of emergency on security in Kwara State by the Federal Government

They ended with a rallying call to all Kwarans—market women, farmers, students, elders, and youths—to rise, speak out, and resist silence.

“Bad leadership thrives when good people whisper. Let your voices shake the system,” the group declared.

“To the Governor: You cannot hide behind Hajj while your people hide in bushes. To the elite: You cannot chase power while ignoring the slaughter of your people. To the people: This is your state. Defend it.