Residents of Lafiagi, a town in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, staged a mass protest on Monday over rising insecurity in their communities. The demonstrators, mostly youths, expressed deep frustration over recurring cases of kidnapping, killings, and armed attacks, accusing government officials of inaction.
Chanting protest songs and waving placards, the aggrieved youths called for urgent government intervention to stop the violence that has gripped the area. In a widely circulated video, protesters were heard lamenting the frequency of abductions and expressing fears over their safety.
The situation escalated when the protesters reportedly set fire to the local office of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and vandalized the palace of the Emir of Lafiagi. Eyewitnesses said windows were shattered and parts of the palace were damaged during the unrest.
“We are living in fear. People are kidnapped every week. The government, the local council, even the Emir, have all failed us,” a resident said during the protest.
Sources said the protest was sparked by long-standing anger over the government’s failure to address rising insecurity in the region. The residents claim that despite repeated incidents, there has been no meaningful response from authorities.
“There have been too many attacks, and the people are tired. That’s why the protest broke out today,” a source told reporters.
The area has witnessed a surge in violent crimes in recent weeks, including the abduction of multiple residents. Families are said to have paid heavy ransoms to secure the release of their loved ones.
Just days before the protest, three Fulani women were reportedly kidnapped in the area, adding to the growing tension among locals.
The protest highlights growing insecurity concerns in rural parts of Nigeria and renewed calls for stronger action from federal and state authorities to protect citizens.
