Residents of Lafiagi in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State erupted in protest on Monday over escalating insecurity in their communities, marked by recurring incidents of terrorism, kidnappings, and killings.
The demonstrators, made up mostly of youths, expressed their anger at what they described as government indifference to the wave of violence plaguing the area. In video clips circulating online, the protesters were seen chanting solidarity songs and waving placards, calling for immediate government intervention to end the bloodshed and restore safety.
The protest took a violent turn as the irate youths set fire to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) office in Lafiagi and vandalised the Emir of Lafiagi’s palace, smashing windows and damaging parts of the building.
“We have been crying and dying in silence,” one resident said in the footage. “People are being kidnapped every week. We don’t sleep with both eyes closed anymore, and nobody, neither the governor, the chairman, nor even the Emir, is doing anything about it.”
Sources confirmed that the protest was fueled by deep-seated frustration over the lack of concrete action by local and state authorities, despite the increasing frequency of violent attacks in the area.
“The youths are exhausted, and there has been no concrete action from the government,” one source told DAILY POST. “The frequency of attacks has increased, which is why the protest erupted today.”
Eyewitnesses reported that the unrest escalated as demonstrators marched toward government buildings, including security agency offices. The NDLEA facility was eventually torched during the demonstration.
Lafiagi and surrounding communities have suffered a surge in kidnappings in recent weeks, with several residents still in captivity. Families of the victims have reportedly paid significant ransoms to secure their release.
Just a day before the protest, it was reported that three Fulani women were abducted in the area, underscoring the growing insecurity that sparked Monday’s unrest.
