Protest Erupts in Kwara South as Kidnappings, Political Intrigues Stir Outrage

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

A report by SaharaReporters has it that angry residents of Eleyin in Isanlu-Isin, Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State, on Saturday blocked the main road in protest after gunmen, suspected to be terrorists, abducted multiple members of several families in Kwara South.

Videos obtained by journalists showed scores of demonstrators chanting slogans, carrying placards, and vowing to keep the blockade in place until the government takes concrete action to secure the release of victims and restore security across the region.

Residents Demand Action as Abductions Continue

According to eyewitnesses, the attackers stormed the Eleyin community earlier in the week, abducting seven people, including three wives, their husband, and three children.

Despite paying a ransom reportedly worth N20 million, residents claimed the abducted family members have not been released. Shockingly, some individuals who delivered the ransom money were allegedly detained by the gunmen as well.

One protester lamented,

“We are calling on the government to come to our rescue. We appeal to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and President Bola Tinubu to intervene and assist us. If the government fails to come to our aid, we will use all available means to secure ourselves.”

Another resident revealed that gunmen had kidnapped three children since Wednesday, spreading fear across Isin Local Government Area and neighbouring communities.

Escalating Insecurity in Kwara South

The crisis in Kwara South has deepened over the past year, with several local government areas — Ifelodun, Isin, Irepodun, and Ekiti — facing relentless attacks since January.

Terrorists have carried out raids on villages, forcing families to pay millions in ransom to secure the release of their loved ones. Entire communities have reportedly been abandoned as residents flee persistent attacks, creating a climate of fear and displacement.

Despite this situation, villagers accused the state and federal governments of failing to deploy adequate security forces to protect vulnerable communities.

Politicians Under Fire for Premature Campaigns

Adding to residents’ frustration, SaharaReporters gathered that seven council chairmen, all elected under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), were recently seen openly endorsing Engr. Yakubu Danladi Salihu, Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, as their preferred successor to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in 2027.

At a gathering in Ilemona, Oyun Local Government Area, chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Ojo Olayiwola Oyebode, the council bosses were caught on camera wearing campaign caps in support of Salihu’s political ambition.

Critics have slammed the move as insensitive and tone-deaf, given the scale of human suffering in Kwara South.

One angry resident remarked:

“While we bury our dead and struggle to raise ransom for our abducted relatives, these politicians are busy sharing campaign caps. It shows where their loyalty lies, and it is not with the people.”

Another resident, who requested anonymity, argued that the governor should call the politicians to order, warning that “premature politicking amid a security crisis could worsen the situation.”

Calls for Government Intervention

Community leaders and protesters have urged Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and President Bola Tinubu to deploy security resources immediately to Kwara South, secure the release of abducted victims, and prevent further attacks.

The demonstrators vowed to maintain the road blockade until authorities respond with visible, concrete measures.

With residents losing confidence in local leadership amid ongoing kidnappings, analysts warn that failure to address insecurity could heighten civil unrest and community self-defence efforts, further complicating the region’s fragile security situation.

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