Senate worried over attacks, abductions in Kwara North

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,