Communities Forced to Raise Ransom as Government Fails to Act
In Kwara, residents say they bear the brunt of rescuing kidnap victims and caring for survivors. Women’s groups, community leaders, and civil society organizations have repeatedly called for stronger government action. They argue these calls have largely gone unanswered.
Communities now pool resources to pay ransom whenever kidnappers strike. They also cover hospital bills for the injured, often without state support.
One tragic case occurred in Kwara North, where a man and his son were killed in broad daylight. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) sent a delegation to console the family and provided financial assistance. Former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki dispatched teams across Kwara North and South, offering relief items, funds, and logistical support.
In Kwara South, local groups fund vigilante patrols. They buy motorcycles, patrol vehicles, and supplies to help volunteers protect villages. Community leaders stress that these efforts cannot replace government responsibility.
“It is the state’s duty to secure its people,” said a former official. “When I served in government, the governor held regular security meetings with police, DSS, and military officers. We took steps to prevent crises before they erupted. That is missing today.”
Spillover of Banditry From Neighboring States Into Kwara
Observers link Kwara’s worsening insecurity to unrest in neighboring states. Niger, Kogi, Benue, Zamfara, and Kaduna all battle armed groups. Kwara shares borders with these states and the Republic of Benin, making it vulnerable.
Security operations in Zamfara and Niger forced bandit groups to relocate. They moved into Kwara’s forests and rural communities. Residents say the state government should have acted proactively to prevent this.
“Kwara enjoyed peace while neighboring states faced attacks,” said one community leader. “The government should have planned ahead. Now, communities pay the price.”
Residents across Kwara North and South report feeling abandoned. They face emboldened bandits with little help from the authorities.
Failure of Kwara State Government in Tackling Security Challenges
Critics argue that the Kwara State government has not done enough to address rising insecurity. While officials highlight visits and gestures, community leaders insist these efforts fall short of meaningful action.
One recent example is Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s visit to Babala community. While the visit signaled attention to the crisis, residents say it did little to address the root causes or help victims directly.
State responses have also drawn sharp criticism for being misdirected. In Kwara South, the government purchased motorcycles, arms, and ammunition and contracted a group called Miiyetti Allah to oversee security. Miiyetti Allah, however, is primarily a socio-cultural organization focused on safeguarding the interests of cattle breeders. It is not a professional security outfit.
Government Missteps: Contracting Miiyetti Allah for Security
Observers say the government should have strengthened local security structures instead. Local governments have autonomous authority and are responsible for the safety of their communities. Each Local Government Chairman acts as the chief security officer in their area.
Vigilante groups already exist and often respond bravely during attacks. However, they are ill-equipped and underfunded. Critics argue that the government should have supported these groups with training, resources, and coordination. In the worst-hit areas, vigilante leaders have faced targeted attacks. When they attempted to meet local government officials for assistance, they were reportedly ignored.
Residents see this as a glaring failure in leadership. They argue that effective security requires empowering local actors who understand the terrain and threats, not relying on outside organizations ill-suited for policing communities.
Lack of Government Assurance Deepens Public Distrust
Residents and community leaders say the government has offered no clear assurance regarding security. At no level — federal, state, or local, have officials outlined plans or communicated proactive measures. This absence of communication has fueled frustration and fear. Critics note that the complaints extend beyond opposition voices; ordinary citizens also express concern for their safety.
A community leader emphasized the need for stronger, proactive actions. “The government must protect and guarantee the safety of its citizens,” he said. “They need to strengthen intelligence gathering and act on credible information. Even ordinary people hear about suspicious movements, like vehicles transporting arms into Kwara. These warnings should trigger action, not be ignored.”
Strengthening Security Architecture and Legislative Response
Experts argue that the state and federal governments must reinforce Nigeria’s security framework. Strengthened legislation and clear implementation can provide the tools needed to combat banditry effectively. Leadership and willpower are essential to ensure policies translate into action on the ground.
Recent efforts in the northeast show what proactive intervention can achieve. Since the federal government intensified operations against bandits there, attacks have declined. Unfortunately, displaced groups have moved into Kwara, spreading insecurity to villages that were previously peaceful. Many communities now face devastation, with residents living under constant threat.
The community leader concluded with a plea for renewed attention to safety. “We hope Kwara can once again experience the peace and harmony it has always been known for,” he said.