Fresh concerns have emerged over rising insecurity in Kwara South, as the Kwara South Development Forum accused authorities of failing to protect residents from a wave of violent attacks.
In a statement on Tuesday, signed by its acting Speaker, Obashola Ayomide Ridwan, the group said many communities are now under siege, with killings, kidnappings, and displacement becoming increasingly frequent.
“Our traditional rulers have been victims of insecurity in Kwara South,” the statement read.
“It would be recalled that terrorists killed the traditional ruler of Koro town in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, Segun Aremu-Cole, in February 2024.
Also, terrorists have abducted another traditional ruler, Oba Bayagan, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.”
The forum said the pattern of attacks has continued into recent months, citing another high-profile abduction earlier this year.
“On January 1, 2026, gunmen suspected to be terrorists abducted the Oniwo of Afin, Simeon Olanipekun, alongside one of his sons, Olaolu, in the Ile-Ire district of Ifelodun Local Government Area,” it added.
It further alleged that places of worship have also come under attack, with incidents reported in Eruku and Omugo, where worshippers were kidnapped during church services.
“Many families have sold out their properties to pay ransom, yet several victims remain in captivity,” the group stated.
“Over 20 communities in Kwara South have been deserted as residents flee their homes for safety, while the government appears unconcerned about the killings and kidnappings happening across the region.”
The statement also highlighted the plight of local vigilantes, who it said have suffered losses while trying to defend their communities against heavily armed attackers.
“Our local vigilantes have become victims of insecurity themselves. While defending their father’s land, many of them have been killed because they do not have adequate weapons to confront terrorists who are armed with sophisticated weapons like AK-47 rifles,” it said.
“In Oke Oyan last week, we lost two vigilantes. Last year in Ìgbàjá, we also lost a powerful vigilante commander who went to confront terrorists that had been terrorising Kwara South communities.”
The group further alleged lapses by security agencies, claiming that advance warnings of possible attacks were not acted upon.
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