Kwara Youths Burn NDLEA Office, Vandalize Emir’s Palace Over Insecurity

Angry youths in Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, erupted in protest on Monday over worsening insecurity in their communities, setting fire to the local office of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and vandalizing parts of the Emir of Lafiagi’s palace.

The protesters accused the government of years of neglect, saying their cries over rampant kidnappings, killings, and terrorist attacks have gone unheard.

“We are dying in silence every week while the government looks away,” one protester lamented.

The unrest followed a series of violent incidents, including the kidnapping of three people within the last 12 hours in separate attacks. Among the victims was a popular Point of Sale (POS) agent, known as Yman, who was abducted on Sunday night in Lafiagi. Early Monday morning, two Hausa men were also kidnapped during a raid on Kokodo village. A young girl reportedly escaped by fleeing into nearby bushes.

“These attacks are becoming too frequent. The POS guy was kidnapped yesterday evening, and now two others have been taken this morning. We haven’t heard from the kidnappers, but security and vigilantes are aware,” a resident said.

Tensions further escalated following the abduction of a well-known agro-chemical dealer, Alhaji Chemical, who was taken from his home in the Taiwo area of Lafiagi around 1 a.m. on Sunday. Eyewitnesses said the attackers, believed to be armed bandits, stormed the area on motorcycles and overpowered local vigilantes with sophisticated weapons.

Frustrated by the government’s inaction, the protesters stormed the NDLEA office and the Emir’s palace, shattering windows and damaging other parts of the building.

“The youths are tired. We’ve endured too much, and still, no concrete action from the chairman or the governor,” a resident told reporters.

As of the time of filing this report, security forces had yet to issue an official response.