By Baba Idris
The worsening security situation in Patigi and the surrounding towns and the growing climate of fear in our dear Kwara North has become a cause for concern.
Our people’s challenging circumstances saddens my heart and I cannot but express grave concern over the worsening insecurity that has posed a critical threat to lives and properties in Patigi.
We definitely cannot learn to live with insecurity in Kwara State because it was not part of the dividends of democracy that they promised us, Kwara North has seemingly been under siege and till this minute, there is no clear path or signs that the terrible situation will end soon.
We can only become Governor, Senator, Member of the House of Representatives, Commissioner and SSA if we are alive and people can only vote for or against candidates of political parties too if they alive.
While we commend our Royal fathers for their efforts day and night to ensure the wellbeing of their people, I will also urge the young people to call for a roundtable meeting irrespective of political differences or religious beliefs and strengthen the vigilantes and our gallant security agents to ensure the safety of our people.
The first step is to admit that there are security challenges in Kwara State without conflicting reports whilst trying to defend your party, candidate or religion.
There is also a need to carry out awareness campaign across localities for everyone to be security conscious so that they can always respect rules, regulations and conditions laid down by the security agents.
We should also establish a Joint Task force comprising Army, Police and the Vigilantes. The Local Vigilantes would act like the ‘community police’ because they are the one who can identify indigenes, nooks and crannies of their respective communities, and strange faces or settlements can always be questioned.
I mourn the passing of our kinsmen who were killed overnight and I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased people.
We must put a stop to this ‘negative development’.
