Concerned Kwarans Condemn Incessant Killings, Kidnappings, Call For Urgent Govt Intervention

Ilorin, Kwara State– Concerned Kwarans, a civic group deeply committed to the well-being and security of Kwara State, has condemned the recent killings of five young men in Ilorin metropolis and kidnappings across Kwara State.

In a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday in Ilorin and jointly signed by the group urged the government to urgently address the situation.

The group noted that since January, over 35 young people have been killed during cult clashes in the state capital, and not a single person has been arrested.

According to the statement: “We have received several calls from people regarding incessant killings and kidnappings in the state. As concerned citizens of the state, we are not pleased with the insecurity, especially in how security agencies handle the situation.

“Since yesterday, at least five young men have been murdered in a cult clash at Filmhouse and Ile Olowo in Central Igboro. Also, we received a report from Kwara South, where gunmen suspected to be kidnappers invaded Araromi-Oke in Ora, Ifelodun local government, and abducted several residents.

“Chief Balogun of Manasara was killed on the spot, and his wife and children were abducted. The same is applicable in Kwara North, especially in Baruten and Kaima, where these cowardly assailants kidnapped innocent citizens and demanded ransom.

“Why does intelligence gathering matter for the Department of State Services and other security agencies if communities can be attacked and people kidnapped without rescue efforts? It’s clear that the security system in Kwara has been compromised,” the statement read.

The group urges religious leaders to be conscious of what they preach and to stop encouraging young people, especially on social media, to engage in social vices.

Concerned Kwarans are urging the Kwara state government and traditional leaders to fulfill their responsibilities to the people.

The group recalled that in 2004, a similar incident occurred when some cultists took over the streets of Ilorin to cause mayhem. The situation was swiftly addressed through the intervention and assistance of the traditional rulers.

However, today, the narrative has changed. The group alleged stakeholders in the state are unconcerned and unmoved about the incessant killings among the youth.

“We commend the security agencies in the state for their resilient actions toward curbing the menace. However, they still need to intensify their efforts to secure the state from invaders.

“We also urged the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to empower our security personnel with adequate equipment and demanded the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators of these evil deeds.

“We further urge members of the public to always report any criminal activity to security agencies for prompt action.”