The Senate on Wednesday expressed concern over the worsening security situation in Kwara North Senatorial District, warning that persistent attacks by armed criminals could further destabilise communities if urgent action is not taken.
The red chamber specifically lamented the continued captivity of women and children abducted during the Woro massacre, recurring attacks on communities, and the recent burning of the palace of the Emir of Yashikira by suspected criminals.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion titled, “Urgent Need for Federal Government Intervention to Address the Re-occurring Insecurity in Kwara North Senatorial District,” sponsored by Senator Sadiq Suleiman Umar during plenary presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Leading the debate, Umar said the security situation in the district had deteriorated significantly in recent months despite efforts by security agencies and local vigilante groups.
He reminded lawmakers that, “Security is the primary responsibility of government as guaranteed under Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”
The senator lamented that communities across the district had continued to witness attacks by armed groups, resulting in loss of lives, abductions and destruction of property.
According to him, Kwara North had in recent months been plagued by “killings, kidnappings, destruction of property, and attacks on innocent citizens across several communities.”
Umar recalled that many victims abducted during the Woro massacre were still being held by their captors several months after the incident.
“Several months after the unfortunate Woro massacre, many women and children abducted during the attack remain in captivity, while their families continue to suffer untold hardship and psychological trauma,” he said.
The lawmaker also drew attention to what he described as growing attacks on traditional institutions in the area.
He disclosed that, “On the eve of the recent Sallah celebrations, armed criminals attacked and set ablaze the palace of the Emir of Yashikira, abducting several members of his family, including some of his wives and children, thereby undermining the sanctity of traditional institutions and threatening communal peace.”
Umar further informed the Senate that communities in Patigi Local Government Area had remained vulnerable to repeated attacks and kidnappings, creating what he described as “an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among residents.”
“Several villages within Edu Local Government Area have equally come under attack, and in a disturbing development, criminal elements recently invaded Lafiagi Township, killing and abducting residents in a clear demonstration of the growing boldness and operational capacity of these criminal groups,” he lamented.
The senator attributed part of the security challenge to the difficult terrain around the Kainji Lake axis, which he said had become a haven for criminal elements operating across Kwara and neighbouring states.
According to him, “The vast and difficult terrain of the Kainji Lake National Park, forest reserves and adjoining ungoverned spaces have continued to provide safe havens and operational bases for criminal elements carrying out attacks within Kwara North and neighbouring states.”
While commending security agencies, community leaders and local vigilante groups for their efforts, Umar said the continued attacks showed that more robust intervention was required.
He warned that, “Failure to decisively address the activities of criminal elements operating within the Kainji Lake forest axis and other hideouts may further embolden them and deepen the security crisis in the region.”
The senator also expressed concern about the poor condition of roads across the district, noting that inadequate infrastructure was hampering security operations and economic activities.
Following deliberations, the Senate unanimously adopted all the prayers contained in the motion.
The upper chamber urged the Federal Government to strengthen security architecture in Kwara North through the establishment of additional military bases, deployment of more personnel and equipment, and intensified joint operations to flush out criminal elements from the Kainji Lake forest axis and other identified hideouts.
Lawmakers also called on the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and other security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of all kidnapped victims still in captivity across the district.
The Senate further urged the Federal Government to rehabilitate and expand critical road infrastructure in Kwara North to improve accessibility, support security operations and boost socio-economic development.
It also called on the National Emergency Management Agency and other relevant agencies to provide immediate humanitarian assistance and rehabilitation support to affected families and communities.
To ensure effective oversight, the Senate mandated its Committees on National Security and Intelligence, Army, Air Force, Police Affairs, Works and Special Duties to engage relevant stakeholders and report back within four weeks on efforts being made to tackle the security crisis.
The Senate thereafter observed a minute of silence in honour of victims killed in the attacks and extended condolences to their families and affected communities.
The latest resolution comes amid growing concerns over rising incidents of banditry, kidnapping and violent attacks in parts of North-Central Nigeria, with communities in Kwara, Niger and neighbouring states increasingly coming under pressure from heavily armed criminal groups operating from forested areas.
