By Esther Ososanya
Tension boiled over in Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, on Monday as furious youths launched a violent protest against rising insecurity, repeated kidnappings, and what they condemned as the government’s deafening silence in the face of terror.
The demonstrators, mostly youths, marched through the streets with placards and chanted solidarity songs, demanding immediate government intervention.
Their protest, captured in circulating video clips, reflected the mounting frustration in the community over persistent attacks by armed criminals.
“We have been crying and dying in silence,” a resident said in one of the videos. “People are being kidnapped every week. We don’t sleep with both eyes closed anymore. Nobody—neither the governor, the chairman, nor the Emir—is doing anything about it.”
NDLEA Office, Emir’s Palace Attacked
As the protest soon turned violent, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) office in Lafiagi was set on fire, while parts of the Emir of Lafiagi’s palace were vandalised. Protesters smashed windows and damaged sections of the building in a show of defiance against what they termed official neglect.
Community sources said the protest was not sudden but rather the result of prolonged anger and despair over worsening security conditions.
“The youths are exhausted,” one source told reporters. “There’s been no concrete action from the government. The frequency of attacks has increased, and that’s why the protest erupted today.”
Abductions and Ransom Payments on the Rise
In recent weeks, Lafiagi and its neighbouring towns have witnessed a spike in abductions. Several residents are reportedly still being held captive by armed gangs, with families forced to pay hefty ransoms to secure their release.
As of Monday evening, the atmosphere remained tense, with fears of further unrest. Residents continue to call on the Kwara State Government and security agencies to intervene decisively and restore peace in the region.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
