Kwara protesters issue 72-hour ultimatum over rising abductions, block major roads

Thousands of residents, traders, youths, and community leaders on Friday staged protests across parts of Kwara State, demanding urgent action from the government and security agencies over a recent wave of kidnappings and attacks in several communities.

The protesters blocked major roads linking Ilorin to other parts of the state, causing significant disruption to vehicular movement and commercial activities. Demonstrators carried placards, chanted slogans, and called for improved security, accusing authorities of failing to protect residents from increasing attacks by armed groups.

The protest follows a series of abductions and violent raids reported in communities across Isin and Ifelodun Local Government Areas, as well as other parts of the state. Residents said the growing insecurity has left many rural communities living in fear, with farmers abandoning their farmlands and families worried about further attacks.

Tensions escalated earlier in the week after a video circulated on social media showing several individuals believed to have been abducted from Kwara communities. The footage sparked outrage among residents and renewed calls for swift intervention by security agencies.

Speaking during the protest, community representatives issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the state government and security authorities, demanding intensified rescue operations and concrete measures to secure vulnerable communities.

“Our people are being taken from their homes and farms, and many families have no information about their loved ones,” one protest leader said. “We want urgent action, not promises.”

Recent attacks have been reported in communities including Gaa-Alla, Gaa-Oke Abba, and Famole, where gunmen allegedly carried out coordinated raids. While security authorities have confirmed some abductions, community leaders insist that the number of victims may be higher than official figures suggest.

In response to growing public concern, the Kwara State Government said it is working with security agencies, traditional rulers, and local stakeholders to address the situation and verify the identities of persons seen in the viral video.

The Kwara State Police Command also announced the deployment of joint security teams comprising police officers, military personnel, local vigilantes, hunters, and forest guards to affected areas. The operation is aimed at tracking down the perpetrators and rescuing victims still in captivity.

Police spokesperson SP Okasanmi Ajayi appealed for calm and urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could aid ongoing operations.

He also called on protesters to avoid actions that could hinder security efforts, noting that road blockades may obstruct the movement of emergency responders and security personnel.

Despite the assurances, many residents expressed frustration over what they described as a worsening security situation, warning that further protests could follow if decisive action is not taken to secure the release of abducted persons and restore safety to affected communities.

The latest demonstrations underscore growing concerns about insecurity in parts of Kwara State, where repeated attacks on rural communities have heightened fears among residents and placed increased pressure on authorities to deliver lasting solutions.