The convener of One Kwara Agenda, a civic advocacy group, Femi Adetola, has blamed the growing wave of banditry and kidnappings in Kwara State on the activities of illegal mining operators.

Speaking with journalists in Ilorin over the weekend, Adetola said investigations conducted by his group revealed that areas most affected by insecurity coincide with locations rich in solid minerals.

“Insecurity affects all of us and should be our collective concern. You don’t wait until you are in a position of authority before you act. We’ve never had it this bad. People say insecurity is a national problem, but even when it was a national issue, it was never like this here. Why now?” Adetola asked.

He explained that interactions with residents in the affected areas confirmed that the influx of illegal miners has contributed significantly to the rising insecurity.

“Go to the areas where insecurity pervades, you will agree that they are the beds of solid minerals. We may have pockets of kidnappers elsewhere, but what made it a statewide problem is the incursion of illegal miners,” he said.

Adetola called for the revitalization of community policing in Kwara to tackle the menace and faulted some traditional rulers for failing to act decisively, allegedly because of benefits they expect to receive from land in the affected areas.

He urged stakeholders to take collective responsibility, stressing that insecurity in one part of the state should concern all citizens. “If we take it that way, we would definitely find a solution,” he said.

The advocacy group leader also encouraged government to be transparent and inclusive in its approach to combating insecurity.

“Let people see that what you are doing is for them. That way, apathy will be ruled out,” he noted.

On the 2027 general elections, Adetola advised political stakeholders to prioritize merit, competence, and people-centered policies over divisive tendencies. (The Guardian)