Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Palpable tension  erupted  yesterday in Lafiagi town in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State as the irate youths  staged  protest over unending kidnappings in the town and other parts of the Kwara north senatorial district of the state.

During the protest, the irate youths reportedly vandalised the some parts of the palace of the Emir of Lafiagi.

The latest kidnap in the town  was the reported abduction of a prominent resident of Lafiagi andagrochemical dealer, popularly called Alhaji Chemical  on Sunday  and which  led to  the protest by the youths.

Alhaji Chemical was reportedly taken from his home in Taiwo area around 1:00 a.m. on Sunday by suspected Fulani bandits.

According to information, the attackers came on motorcycles and later subdued the local vigilance  group members.

However, in view of the protest, security operatives have been deployed to the Lafiagi town to maintain peace and order.

A high-powered government’s security delegation visited Lafiagi yesterday following early morning tensions that culminated in an attack on the office of the NDLEA and a foil attempt to torch the Emir’s palace. 

The tension in Lafiagi was related to different community issues, including security operations targeting hard drug dealers.

A statement issued in Ilorin last  night signed by the Senior Special Assistant to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Security Matters Alhaji Muhyideen Aliu said: “The security delegation comprised the Commissioner of Police CP Ojo Adekimi and Brigade Commander Brigadier General Ezra Barkins.”

“They(delegation) were received by the chairman of the local government Abdullahi Bello; Development Officer for Edu, Alhaji Haruna Likpata; Commissioner for Youth Development Shehu Ndanusa Usman; and Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission Bello Taoheed Abubakar.”

“The protest in the morning was related to recent arrests of suspected drug dealers. 

“The protesters took advantage of the anxiety around recent security breaches to launch an attack on the NDLEA office, where they burnt three vehicles and motorcycles, released three suspects, and carted away substances seized from the dealers. 

“They also attempted to attack the Emir’s Palace because, according to them, he did not stop the NDLEA from arresting the suspected drug dealers and smokers,” Alhaji Aliu said.

“This is sheer criminality, and we condemn it totally. The soldiers and other security forces have been able to restore calm in Lafiagi town. We also visited the palace, where we addressed everyone on the need to maintain peace and order.” 

“They thanked His Excellency Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for the quick intervention. Normalcy has returned, and further security deployments have been made by the police and the army.” 

“It is important to state that no life was lost in the Monday morning incident. We caution people against taking laws into their own hands,” he added.

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