The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area, and the violent protest that erupted in response to the heartbreaking surge in abductions and growing insecurity across Kwara North.
According to the party, the protest, which tragically spiraled into the vandalization of public property, including the palace of His Royal Highness, the Etsu of Lafiagi, the NDLEA offices, and other government institutions, is a painful reflection of the frustration and abandonment felt by the people under the watch of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.
In a statement signed on Monday by its State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the party emphasized that while it does not support or condone violence under any circumstance, it fully understands the bottled-up frustration, fear, and anguish that triggered the outburst.
“In just the last 48 hours, two respected residentsnof Lafiagi, Alhaji Chemical, a prominent agro-chemical dealer, and Yman, a popular POS operator, have been kidnapped in chilling circumstances, with no visible response from either the government or security agencies.
“These latest abductions add to a long list of security failures across Kwara — a disturbing trend that has turned our state into a killing field and a kidnapper’s haven. The people are right to ask: Where is our Governor? Where are the billions budgeted for security every year? Is there any government at all in Kwara State?.
“Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s deafening silence and absentee leadership in the face of this unfolding security crisis is not only irresponsible; it is unforgivable. His continued refusal to address the public, visit affected communities, or deploy proactive security interventions reflects a leadership that has either lost touch with reality or lost interest in the lives of the people he was elected to serve and protect.
“In a frustrating situation like this, one cannot expect citizens to remain calm as their Governor blatantly ignores pressing issues of security and welfare, especially while he is seen junketing, far removed from the daily horrors faced by his people, who are left at the mercy of bloodthirsty bandits and kidnappers that have taken over their communities.
“Our party urges security agencies in the state to do more in arresting the menace and not play complacent game of Governor Abdulrahaman who is trying to paint a picture that Kwara is secure when things are already getting out of hands .
“We also call on federal authorities and relevant agencies to take urgent action to rescue the abducted and restore calm in the affected communities.
“We sympathize with all those affected by this tragedy, including victims’ families, local institutions, and traditional authorities, and we pray for the safe return of the abducted,” the PDP said.
