Youths Set Emir’s Palace, NDLEA Office on Fire

Residents of Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, erupted in protest on Monday over the relentless wave of insecurity plaguing their communities, including frequent kidnappings, killings, and attacks by armed groups.

The demonstrators, mainly youths, accused both the state government and traditional authorities of ignoring their plight as violence escalates. In video footage circulating online, they chanted protest songs and held placards demanding urgent action to stop the bloodshed and restore safety.

The anger boiled over as the protesters torched the office of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Lafiagi. They also stormed the palace of the Emir of Lafiagi, vandalising windows and damaging parts of the building.

“We have been crying and dying in silence,” one visibly distraught resident said in a recorded clip. “Every week, people are kidnapped. We can no longer sleep with both eyes closed, and nobody is helping us—not the governor, not the chairman, not even the Emir.”

Sources in the area said the protest was the result of pent-up frustration over months of unchecked attacks and the perceived indifference of authorities. The situation escalated as the crowd moved toward other government and security facilities, where more vandalism was reported.

In recent weeks, Lafiagi and surrounding villages have witnessed a surge in abductions, with several residents still in captivity. Families of kidnapped victims have reportedly paid hefty ransoms to secure their release.