Tensions flared in Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, on Monday as a protest by enraged youths against escalating insecurity and banditry turned violent, leading to the torching of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) office and vandalism at the Emir’s palace.
The demonstration, primarily composed of local youths, commenced in the early hours of the day. Their actions were a direct expression of deep-seated frustration over a recent surge in terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and killings that have severely impacted the community.
As the protest intensified, the NDLEA office in Lafiagi was set ablaze. The demonstrators also converged on the palace of the Emir of Lafiagi, where they caused significant damage, including vandalizing several windows and parts of the building.
A resident, speaking to SaharaReporters, articulated the profound fear gripping the community, stating, “We have been crying and dying in silence. People are being kidnapped every week. We don’t sleep with our two eyes closed anymore, and nobody, not the governor, not the chairman, not even the Emir, is doing anything about it.”
Another source described the protest as the culmination of months of suppressed anger, particularly directed at the state government’s perceived inaction. “The youths are tired, and no tangible actions are coming from the government. Our chairman and the governor are not willing to help us,” the source lamented, adding, “The attacks are getting more intense. That is why the youth protested today. They went to the Emir’s palace and security agency offices. The NDLEA office was torched.”
The unrest follows a series of abductions in Lafiagi and neighboring areas. Within the last 48 hours alone, three individuals were reportedly kidnapped in separate incidents. Among the recent victims is a popular Point of Sale (POS) agent, identified as Yman, who was abducted on Sunday night in Lafiagi town. Early Monday, two Hausa men were also taken during a raid on Kokodo village, though a young girl managed to escape by fleeing into the bush.
“The attacks are becoming too rampant. The POS guy was kidnapped on Sunday evening. This morning, the two other people, who are Hausa, were also kidnapped,” a community member confirmed. He further noted that while local vigilante groups and security operatives have been alerted and have initiated search operations, there has been no contact with the kidnappers as of yet.
