Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

A passionate appeal has been made to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for an urgent intervention in addressing the rising wave of insecurity that is ravaging the Kwara South Senatorial District of Kwara State.

It would be recalled that the Senatorial District, particularly Ifelodun and Ekiti local government areas, had, in recent time, been plagued with incessant attacks from bandits and kidnappers.

The appeal was made by the MD/CEO, ASRO Consult Ltd, Prince Adelodun, S. S PhD, in a statement personally signed by him.

He said: “In recent days, we have been thrown into mourning over the tragic killing of 15 people in Oke-Ode, Ifelodun Local Government. Barely two days after this incident, a police officer was abducted at Lade town in Patigi Local Government Area. These heartbreaking developments are part of a recurring pattern of bandit attacks, kidnappings, and violence that have rendered Kwara South and parts of Kwara North unsafe for residents.

”It is important to note, Sir, that these killings and kidnappings have been going on in Kwara South especially for more than a year now, but they have hardly been reported. Sadly, the silence has been partly because the affected areas belong largely to one section of the state, not the Central, hence little attention has been given to the plight of our people. This neglect has emboldened criminal elements and deepened the suffering of innocent communities.

“Kwara South in particular has been so severely affected that many communities are on the verge of extinction as families continue to flee for safety. Sadly, the response so far at the state level has not matched the scale of the threat, leaving our people vulnerable and desperate.

“Sir, our communities cannot wait until they are completely deserted before decisive action is taken. We, therefore, humbly appeal to your office to deploy all necessary security resources and establish a well-coordinated security outfit that can restore peace, protect lives, and prevent further tragedies in Kwara State.

“As a concerned representative of my people, I cannot sleep when my people have no peace. Their sleeplessness has become my sleeplessness. I therefore implore you, in the interest of national stability and in line with the President’s commitment to security, to treat this matter with the urgency it deserves.

“We believe that a swift and robust intervention by your office will not only save lives but also reassure our people that the Federal Government stands firmly with them in this time of distress.

“Thank you, Sir, for your kind attention and anticipated action.”

End

Armed bandits have abducted 30 people during an attack on Zamfarawa village in Zugu District, Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Zagazola Makama report that the attack occurred on Oct. 7 at about 2:20 p.m., when a large number of bandits stormed the community, shooting sporadically to scare residents.

The hoodlums were said to have whisked away 30 villagers to an unknown destination.

Following the incident, security forces have intensified efforts to trace and rescue the abducted victims.

The Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed the killing of two armed bandits during an exchange of fire with security operatives in Mada District, Gusau Local Government Area.

According to sources, the operation followed credible intelligence about an imminent bandit attack on villages within the Mada area.

The sources stated that at about 3:10 a.m. on Oct. 7, a joint team of police tactical operatives, community protection guards (CPG), and local hunters were deployed to Fegin Mahe village, where they laid an ambush along the suspected route of the bandits.

Three bandits were said to have approached the location and were immediately engaged in a gun battle by the security team.

Two of the bandits were killed during the encounter, while the third escaped with possible gunshot injuries.

The police said efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspect.