The people of Karonji in Yashikira District of Baruten Local Government Area, Kwara State, have raised an urgent alarm over the worsening security situation threatening their safety, livelihoods, and overall wellbeing.
In a collective appeal, the community is calling on the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in his capacity as the Chief Security Officer of the state, to swiftly intervene and address the persistent insecurity that has left residents in fear and distress.
The people of Karonji and surrounding settlements say they feel neglected and abandoned at a time when they need government support the most.
According to community leaders, residents were unable to return to their farmlands throughout the last farming season due to unrelenting threats from criminal elements operating in the area.
This situation has crippled agricultural activities, the primary source of livelihood for the community and deepened hardship among households.
The insecurity has also forced many women and children to become internally displaced within their own ancestral homes, living under constant fear and uncertainty as attacks and threats continue.
The community is therefore appealing to the Kwara State Government, the Baruten Local Government Authority, and the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take immediate action by strengthening security operations, deploy more personnel, and equip existing security structures for effective protection of lives and property.
They further call for enhanced support and coordination for local vigilante groups, who play a crucial role in community level defense but remain under-resourced.
Residents insist that without urgent intervention, the situation may escalate further, putting thousands of lives and livelihoods at greater risk.
The people of Karonji are hopeful that their plea will receive swift attention to restore peace, security, and normalcy to their long-troubled communities.
