On Monday, June 30, 2025, the town of Lafiagi in Kwara State's Edu Local Government Area descended into turmoil as furious teenagers flocked to the streets to protest the deteriorating security situation in their villages. The rally became violent, culminating in the burning of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) headquarters and damage to the Emir of Lafiagi's palace.
The demonstration was sparked by growing discontent with the ongoing terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and murders that have scared people in recent weeks. Locals accused government authorities, including the state governor, local government chairman, and even traditional rulers, of neglecting to take meaningful steps to reduce the violence. "We have been crying and dying in silence," one resident said. "People are abducted every week. We no longer sleep with both eyes closed, and nothing is being done to change this."
Videos circulating on social media show outraged youngsters screaming solidarity songs, holding banners, and setting fire to the NDLEA headquarters in Lafiagi. Protesters also attacked the Emir's residence, breaking windows and damaging elements of the structure in their rage. According to eyewitnesses, the turmoil escalated as the throng approached important government and security agency headquarters.
The protest was sparked by a recent increase in abductions and brutal raids in Lafiagi and adjacent villages. Several locals were abducted over the weekend, including a well-known Point of Sale (POS) agent called Yman and two Hausa males, following a violent raid on Kokodo. A little girl barely avoided arrest by running into the adjacent woods. Families of the abducted have allegedly paid large ransoms, but many victims remain captive.
Residents have described the situation as a "climate of helplessness." The latest kidnapping of a major agrochemical trader, known locally as Alhaji Chemical, happened in the early hours of Sunday when heavily armed men suspected of being Fulani bandits assaulted his home in the Taiwo region of Lafiagi. The perpetrators arrived on motorbikes and overpowered local vigilantes with overwhelming weaponry before taking the victim away to an unknown place.
According to neighborhood sources, the demonstration was the culmination of long-held resentment over the government's perceived inactivity. "Youths are weary, and the government is not taking any meaningful action. "Our chairman and governor are not willing to assist us," a source said. "The attacks are getting more intense; this is why the youth protested today".
Security personnel and local vigilante organizations have been informed, and they are allegedly attempting to free the abducted individuals and restore order. However, the severity of the violence and the audacity of the assaults have left many locals feeling defenseless and abandoned.
The disturbance in Lafiagi is part of a larger trend of rising insecurity in Kwara State's northern area, where communities have grown more vulnerable to banditry, terrorism, and kidnappings for ransom. The tragedy highlights the critical need for effective security measures and community participation to restore peace and trust among people.
As investigations continue and security authorities step up attempts to catch the offenders, the inhabitants of Lafiagi and the surrounding districts remain on edge, waiting for prompt government action to break the cycle of violence that has wrecked their everyday lives.
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