Insecurity in Kwara: A Growing Concern

The Emir of Yashikira in Kwara State, His Royal Highness, Amb (Dr) Alhaji Umar Sariki Usman, Sabikpassi II, has expressed deep frustration over the Nigerian military’s inability to confront terrorists in his domain. According to the Emir, military personnel deployed to his community abandon their posts and flee whenever terrorists attack, leaving the burden of protection to poorly equipped local vigilantes .

This revelation paints a bleak picture of the escalating insecurity in northern Kwara, where rural communities have come under frequent attacks by armed terrorists who kill, abduct, and loot with impunity. The Emir lamented that despite government assurances, no substantial reinforcement has been made to secure the community, leaving residents feeling vulnerable and unprotected.

The Nigerian military’s ineffectiveness in combating terrorism has been a recurring issue, with reports of soldiers abandoning their posts in the face of terrorist attacks. In some cases, soldiers have been declared wanted for desertion, and there have been instances where military personnel have been killed or ambushed by terrorists .

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has described the killing of soldiers by terrorists as a declaration of war against the Nigerian state, highlighting the gravity of the security situation. The forum noted that terrorist groups now operate with alarming boldness and near-complete impunity, and the government’s inaction is eroding public confidence .

The insecurity in Kwara State and other parts of Nigeria demands urgent attention and action. The government and military must work together to address the root causes of these attacks and ensure the safety and security of citizens. The current situation is unsustainable, and decisive action is needed to restore peace and stability to the region.