Senate Demands Urgent Federal Intervention as Kidnappings, Killings Overrun Kwara North

The Senate on Wednesday raised serious concerns over the escalating security crisis in Kwara North Senatorial District, warning that persistent kidnappings, deadly attacks, and the continued captivity of victims abducted during the Woro massacre have pushed many communities to the brink.

The red chamber also decried the recent attack on the palace of the Emir of Yashikira, where gunmen reportedly set the palace ablaze and abducted members of the royal family, describing the development as a dangerous threat to traditional institutions and public safety.

The concerns formed the basis of a motion sponsored by Senator Sadiq Suleiman Umar during plenary presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Titled “Urgent Need for Federal Government Intervention to Address the Re-occurring Insecurity in Kwara North Senatorial District,” the motion highlighted what lawmakers described as a worsening wave of violence across several communities in the district.

Leading the debate, Senator Umar said security remains the foremost responsibility of government under the Constitution, lamenting that residents of Kwara North have continued to endure killings, kidnappings, destruction of property, and repeated attacks by armed criminal groups.

According to him, the situation has become more troubling because many women and children abducted during the infamous Woro massacre several months ago are yet to regain their freedom.

He told lawmakers that the prolonged captivity of the victims has left families devastated and subjected them to severe emotional and psychological trauma.

The senator also drew attention to the attack on the Emir of Yashikira’s palace, which occurred on the eve of the recent Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

He said armed attackers invaded the palace, set parts of it on fire and abducted several members of the royal household, including some of the emir’s wives and children.

Umar warned that such attacks on traditional institutions undermine communal stability and weaken public confidence in security efforts.

He further disclosed that communities in Patigi Local Government Area have continued to experience recurring kidnappings and violent attacks, forcing many residents to live in fear.

In neighbouring Edu Local Government Area, he said several villages have also come under attack, while criminals recently stormed Lafiagi town, killing and abducting residents in a brazen operation that underscored the growing boldness of armed groups operating in the region.

The lawmaker attributed the worsening insecurity partly to the vast forests, reserves and difficult terrain around the Kainji Lake axis, which he said have become operational bases and safe havens for criminal elements terrorising communities across Kwara North and adjoining states.

While acknowledging the efforts of security agencies, vigilante groups and community leaders, Umar insisted that the persistence of attacks demonstrates the need for a stronger and more coordinated federal response.

He warned that failure to decisively confront criminal gangs operating from the Kainji Lake forest corridor could further embolden them and deepen the security challenges facing the region.

The senator also expressed concern over the deplorable state of roads in many parts of Kwara North, arguing that poor infrastructure has hampered security operations and slowed emergency responses to attacks.

Following deliberations, the Senate unanimously adopted the motion and called on the Federal Government to immediately reinforce security operations in the district.

Lawmakers urged the deployment of additional military personnel and equipment, the establishment of more security formations, and intensified joint operations aimed at flushing out criminal groups from the Kainji Lake forest axis and other identified hideouts.

The Senate also directed security agencies, including the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, to intensify efforts to secure the release of all kidnapped victims still in captivity across the district.

In addition, lawmakers called for the rehabilitation and expansion of critical road infrastructure to improve access, enhance security response capabilities and stimulate economic activities.

The chamber further urged the National Emergency Management Agency and other relevant agencies to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to families and communities affected by the attacks.

As part of its resolutions, the Senate mandated its Committees on National Security and Intelligence, Army, Air Force, Police Affairs, Works and Special Duties to engage relevant stakeholders and report back within four weeks on measures being taken to tackle the security situation.

The Senate thereafter observed a minute of silence in honour of those killed in the attacks and extended its condolences to affected families and communities across Kwara North.