What started as a peaceful protest turned violent Monday as angry residents of Edu Local Government Area in Kwara State set fire to the Emir’s palace and an NDLEA divisional office, following a series of kidnappings that have rocked the area in recent weeks.
Community Erupts After Repeated Abductions
The unrest began when hundreds of youths stormed the streets of Lafiagi town, demanding government action after several people, including schoolchildren and farmers, were abducted by gunmen in nearby villages.
Protesters accused both local authorities and security agencies of negligence, claiming that despite multiple reports and ransom payments, no serious rescue efforts had been made.
By midday, the protest escalated. The Emir of Lafiagi’s palace was set on fire, with angry mobs claiming the traditional ruler had “done nothing” while his people lived in fear.
Shortly after, the local NDLEA office was also torched, as protesters claimed it had become a “government showpiece” that ignored the real security threats.
Police Confirm Attacks, Government Urges Calm
Kwara State Police Command confirmed the violent outbreak, stating that reinforcements have been deployed to restore calm and protect remaining government facilities.
Police spokesperson DSP Toun Ejire said:
“The situation is under control. Investigations have commenced, and anyone found guilty of arson or incitement will be brought to book.”
Meanwhile, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq condemned the attacks but admitted that kidnappings in the region had reached an alarming rate.
“We hear the people’s cry, and we are stepping up security across the state,” the governor said in a televised briefing. “But burning down institutions won’t bring back the kidnapped.”
Online Reactions: ‘People Don Tire for Empty Promises’
Social media has erupted with support and condemnation in equal measure:
@IlorinInsider:
“When leaders sleep, people go wake them by force. This is frustration turned fire.”
@NaijaWahalaUpdates:
“They burn palace, burn NDLEA, but bandits still dey bush. This country na real movie.”
Activist Aisha Lawal told Trending Naija News:
“This is not just anger — it’s hopelessness. People feel abandoned by both traditional and political leaders. If care is not taken, more communities will explode.”
With the Emir’s palace in ruins and public trust at its lowest, Kwara State is walking a tightrope between rage and reform. The people are tired, the government is cornered, and the bandits are still out there.
Big question now:
Will this chaos force real security action or trigger more clampdowns?