Prominent elders and stakeholders from Kwara North Senatorial District have claimed that more than 1,200 people have been killed by bandits and terrorists since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in 2023, warning that the worsening insecurity could erode support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The stakeholders, under the aegis of the Kwara North Development Commission (KNDC), said hundreds of residents also remain in captivity across the district, while several communities have been displaced by persistent attacks.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by KNDC National President, Alhaji Abdullahi Manzuma, and Publicity Secretary, Hajia Zainab Seko, the group described the security situation in the district as a “near-total collapse,” accusing the federal government of failing to contain escalating banditry and terrorism.

According to the group, the crisis has severely affected the five local government areas of Baruten, Kaiama, Edu, Patigi, and Moro, disrupting farming activities and crippling economic life in a region traditionally regarded as the food basket of Kwara State.

“Our people are living in fear. Entire communities have been sacked. More than 1,200 lives have been lost and many of our sons, daughters, wives and husbands are still being held captive by terrorists and bandits,” the statement said.

“The economy of the region has been grounded. Agriculture, which is the mainstay of our people, has suffered immensely. Farmers can no longer access their farmlands safely, while buyers and traders are unwilling to come into the region because of security concerns. As a result, farm produce is wasting away.”

The group acknowledged efforts by the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq but stressed that the constitutional responsibility for security rests with the Federal Government.

“We recognize that the Kwara State Government is doing its best within the limits of its constitutional powers.

“However, the buck stops on the table of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“This is no longer a local challenge. What we are witnessing is a national security emergency that requires decisive federal intervention,” the statement added.

The stakeholders also expressed concern that insecurity has begun to alter social and cultural traditions in the region, with many indigenes reportedly avoiding visits home during festive periods for fear of attacks.

“For the first time in our history, many of our children refused to come home during the last festive celebrations because they were afraid for their safety. This is unprecedented and speaks volumes about the gravity of the situation.

“We are a peace-loving agrarian people. Our people do not deserve this level of suffering and neglect,” the group said.

The KNDC warned that continued insecurity could affect political mobilisation for the APC in future elections.

“It will be very difficult to begin to campaign to people who are under siege, to mothers who have lost their children, and to fathers who can no longer provide for their families because their means of livelihood have been destroyed.

“Politics cannot thrive where people are struggling simply to stay alive.”

The group appealed to President Tinubu to deploy additional security resources to the area and ensure the protection of communities affected by banditry and terrorism.

“We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the father of the nation, to rise to this challenge and take immediate steps to protect our communities from terrorism and banditry.

“The people of Kwara North have always been loyal to the APC-led government and patriotic citizens of Nigeria. What they seek is not charity, but security, justice and the opportunity to live and work in peace.”

The stakeholders added that restoring security across the district would not only save lives but also revive agricultural production and strengthen food security in Kwara State and across Nigeria. (Arise News)

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