By Anayo Akwitti
The Senate has expressed grave concern over the deteriorating security situation in Kwara North Senatorial District, warning that persistent attacks by armed criminals and the prolonged captivity of abducted victims continue to threaten lives, livelihoods, and community stability in the region.
The upper legislative chamber made its position known during plenary on Wednesday while considering a motion titled “Urgent Need for Federal Government Intervention to Address the Re-occurring Insecurity in Kwara North Senatorial District,” sponsored by Senator Sadiq Suleiman Umar and presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Presenting the motion, Senator Umar stressed that security remains the foremost responsibility of government, as enshrined in Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
He lamented that communities across Kwara North have in recent months been subjected to relentless attacks, including killings, kidnappings, destruction of property, and assaults on innocent residents.
According to the lawmaker, several victims abducted during the tragic Woro massacre remain in captivity months after the incident, leaving their families in prolonged anguish.
“Several months after the unfortunate Woro massacre, many women and children abducted during the attack remain in captivity, while their families continue to suffer untold hardship and psychological trauma,” Umar said.
The senator also drew attention to attacks targeting traditional institutions, revealing that armed criminals recently attacked and set ablaze the palace of the Emir of Yashikira on the eve of the Sallah celebrations.
He disclosed that several members of the monarch’s family, including some of his wives and children, were abducted during the attack, describing the incident as a direct assault on traditional authority and communal peace.
“On the eve of the recent Sallah celebrations, armed criminals attacked and set ablaze the palace of the Emir of Yashikira, abducting several members of his family, including some of his wives and children, thereby undermining the sanctity of traditional institutions and threatening communal peace,” he stated.
Senator Umar further informed lawmakers that communities in Patigi Local Government Area have continued to experience repeated attacks and kidnappings, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among residents.
He added that the security situation in Edu Local Government Area has also worsened, with several villages coming under attack. In a recent development, criminal elements reportedly invaded Lafiagi township, killing and abducting residents.
“Several villages within Edu Local Government Area have equally come under attack, and in a disturbing development, criminal elements recently invaded Lafiagi Township, killing and abducting residents in a clear demonstration of the growing boldness and operational capacity of these criminal groups,” he said.
The senator attributed part of the security challenge to the difficult terrain around the Kainji Lake axis, noting that the vast expanse of forests, national parks, and ungoverned spaces has provided safe havens for criminal groups operating within Kwara North and neighbouring states.
“The vast and difficult terrain of the Kainji Lake National Park, forest reserves and adjoining ungoverned spaces have continued to provide safe havens and operational bases for criminal elements carrying out attacks within Kwara North and neighbouring states,” he observed.
The Senate subsequently called for urgent and decisive intervention by the Federal Government and security agencies to restore peace, secure the release of abducted victims, and stem the growing wave of insecurity across the affected communities.
