A prominent politician and governorship aspirant in Kwara State, Malam Tajudeen Audu, Makaman Lafiagi, has commended the Kwara State Government for its recent efforts in addressing the security challenges in the Kwara North Senatorial District.
He, however, emphasised the urgent need for the federal authorities to intensify support in order to completely eliminate the persistent threat of banditry in the region.
Makaman Lafiagi expressed deep concerns over the recurring cases of attacks, kidnappings, and killings by bandits across villages in Kwara North, describing the situation as a major security crisis that continued to unsettle local communities.
In a statement issued over the weekend, he said, “While we must acknowledge the encouraging response from the Kwara State Government, particularly the deployment of additional security personnel to the affected areas, it is time for the federal authorities to step in and complement these efforts. Without coordinated intervention, there is a real risk of the violence escalating to other parts of the state.”
According to him, recent reports had shown that the bandits now operated with alarming boldness, moving about openly on motorcycles while wielding AK-47 rifles with impunity.
This, he noted, had led to mass displacement of villagers, many of whom had fled their homes and farmlands for fear of being attacked, kidnapped, or killed.
He lamented that the growing insecurity had already dealt a blow to the state’s economic prospects.
“Only recently, Kwara State lost a vital investment opportunity that was due to be sited in Patigi Local Government, a project that came through the tireless efforts of the state government. Unfortunately, the prevailing insecurity discouraged the investors from proceeding,” he stated.
Makaman Lafiagi stressed the strategic economic importance of Kwara North, describing it as a region richly endowed with fertile land ideal for mechanised farming, “which holds great potential for both local development and foreign exchange generation.
“The continued presence of bandits in this area threatens to sabotage these opportunities and could significantly derail the economic wellbeing of the people and the state as a whole.”
He concluded by calling for a united front in combating the menace.
He said: “Given the gravity of the situation, it is imperative that all stakeholders—including local vigilantes and regular security agencies—collaborate effectively to flush out the criminal elements and restore peace to our communities.”
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