The Nigerian Senate has raised the alarm over recurring killings, kidnappings and attacks in Kwara State, including an assault on the palace of the Emir of Yashikira. According to Channels Television, the concern was brought before the chamber through a motion raised by Senator Sadiq Umar, who pointed to a string of violent incidents in the state.
At the heart of the alarm was an attack on a traditional ruler. The Senate noted that, on the eve of recent Salah celebrations, armed criminals attacked and set ablaze the palace of the Emir of Yashikira in the Baruten local government area of the state.
During that assault, the attackers abducted several members of the Emir's family, including some of his wives and children. The Senate said the attack undermined the sanctity of traditional institutions and threatened communal peace, framing it as a strike not only at a family but at a respected institution.
The chamber further observed that communities within the local government area have continued to experience intermittent attacks and kidnappings. According to the Senate, this pattern has created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among residents, who are left unsure of when the next assault might come.
The violence, lawmakers noted, has not been confined to a single area. Several villages within a local government area in Kwara North have equally come under attack, widening the stretch of territory touched by the insecurity and stretching the response capacity of the authorities.
In what the Senate described as a disturbing development, criminal elements recently invaded Lafiagi township, killing and abducting residents. The chamber characterised the raid as a clear demonstration of the growing boldness and operational capacity of the criminal groups operating in the area.
The Senate concluded that the persistent nature of these attacks pointed to the need for enhanced security presence and coordinated operations in the affected areas. After deliberating on the matter, the lawmakers proceeded to adopt a resolution, signalling their intent to press for a firmer response to the worsening insecurity in the state.