The Senate has issued an urgent call to the Federal Government to overhaul and strengthen the security architecture in the Kwara North Senatorial District. The directive follows a wave of violent crimes in the region, including mass killings, kidnappings, and a recent arson attack on the palace of the Emir of Yashikira.
The resolutions were adopted following 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 and presented during a plenary session presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Leading the presentation, Senator Umar reminded the upper chamber that under Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, security remains the primary responsibility of the government. He lamented that Kwara North has suffered an unprecedented breakdown of law and order, leaving innocent citizens at the mercy of heavily armed criminal syndicates.
The lawmaker disclosed a string of devastating security breaches across the district’s local government areas (LGAs):
The Yashikira Palace Attack: On the eve of the recent Sallah celebrations, armed criminals invaded and set fire to the palace of the Emir of Yashikira, abducting several members of his immediate family, including his wives and children.
The Woro Massacre Aftermath: Months after the brutal Woro massacre, numerous abducted women and children remain trapped in captivity, leaving their families in severe psychological trauma.
Lafiagi Township Invasion: In Edu LGA, criminal elements recently launched a bold raid directly into Lafiagi Township, killing and kidnapping residents.
Patigi and Edu LGA Siege: Multiple communities across these local governments face relentless raids, creating a pervasive atmosphere of fear and halting socioeconomic activities.
“The vast and difficult terrain of the Kainji Lake National Park, forest reserves, and adjoining ungoverned spaces have continued to provide safe havens and operational bases for criminal elements,” Senator Umar warned. “Failure to decisively address these activities will only further embolden them and deepen the crisis.”
Following extensive deliberations, the Senate unanimously adopted all prayers in the motion, demanding immediate, multi-agency action from the Executive arm of government:
Reinforced Security Presence: The Senate urged the Federal Government to establish additional military bases, deploy more security personnel and advanced equipment, and initiate a massive joint military sweep to flush out bandits from the Kainji Lake forest axis.
Targeted Rescue Operations: The Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, and the Department of State Services (DSS) were directed to coordinate immediate rescue operations for all victims still held in captivity across the district.
Critical Infrastructure Rehabilitation: Recognizing that dilapidated roads severely hinder rapid tactical responses by security agencies, the Senate urged the Federal Government to prioritize the immediate reconstruction and expansion of Kwara North’s critical road networks.
Humanitarian Relief: The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant bodies were directed to urgently provide relief materials and rehabilitation support to the displaced victims and affected communities.
To guarantee implementation, the Senate has mandated its Committees on National Security and Intelligence, Army, Air Force, Police Affairs, Works, and Special Duties to jointly engage with relevant security chiefs and stakeholders. The committees are expected to submit a comprehensive progress report within four weeks.
The Senate concluded the session by observing a minute of silence to honor the memory of the citizens who lost their lives in the attacks, extending its deepest condolences to the affected families, communities, and the Kwara North traditional institution.
