By: Abdulhafeez Oyewole
At a press conference on Tuesday, the Kwara South Youth Development Organization (KWAYORG) raised alarms over increasing security challenges plaguing Kwara South Senatorial District.
Prince Abolarin Alaba Sharafudeen, KWAYORG President, in a strongly-worded statement, lamented the surge in kidnappings, killings, and farmer-herder clashes, describing it as a "siege" on the region's peace and unity.
The youth group expressed deep concerns about the attacks on innocent citizens, traditional rulers, and local vigilantes, stressing the urgent need for government intervention.
Sharafudeen called on the Kwara State Government, led by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazak, to intensify collaboration with security agencies, local leaders, and vigilante groups to combat the ongoing crisis.
"The people of Kwara South have endured enough," Sharafudeen said, urging the state to provide financial and logistical support to local security outfits and ensure the deployment of patrol vans and motorcycles to curtail criminal activities.
The youth leader also made an impassioned plea to the Federal Government, particularly to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, a native of Kwara South, to prioritize the district’s security.
"We are calling on the Attorney General to use his good office to ensure justice is served and help restore peace to our region," Sharafudeen emphasized.
The statement also revealed that KWAYORG would be organizing a security summit aimed at fostering dialogue among stakeholders to develop a comprehensive roadmap to improve the region’s security.
Sharafudeen called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society groups to collaborate and provide intelligence to law enforcement agencies, emphasizing that security is a collective responsibility.
The press conference underscored the need for military checkpoints in high-risk areas across Isin, Ekiti, Oke Ero, Irepodun, and Ifelodun Local Government Areas to curb the escalating violence.
Sharafudeen concluded by urging the government to act swiftly, stating, "The safety and well-being of our people are non-negotiable."
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