On Monday, June 30, 2025, a violent protest broke out in Kwara State's Edu Local Government Area, as furious teenagers rushed to the streets to vent their dissatisfaction with rising insecurity in their neighborhood, which included kidnappings, terrorism, and murders. The demonstration became violent when the youngsters invaded the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) headquarters in Lafiagi, setting it on fire, vandalizing the Emir of Lafiagi's palace, and releasing four detainees detained at the NDLEA facility. During the turmoil, six of the agency's trucks and motorbikes were wrecked.
The kidnapping of a major agrochemical trader, also known as Alhaji Chemical, from his home in the Taiwo district of Lafiagi at 1 a.m. on Sunday, June 29, sparked the protest. According to reports, highly armed criminals came on motorbikes, overwhelmed local vigilantes, and abducted the businessman in a well-coordinated raid. The victim's notoriety made the attack seem targeted, heightening the community's feeling of vulnerability.
Residents have been living in terror due to an increase in kidnappings, with many abductions happening in recent weeks. Among the most recent victims were a teenage Point-of-Sale (POS) operator and three Fulani women kidnapped on Sunday. Families of victims have allegedly paid large ransoms, yet kidnappings continue, stoking public resentment and sorrow.
On Monday morning, a group of primarily local adolescents gathered to protest what they characterized as the government's passivity in response to the surge of insecurity. They stopped highways, burnt tires, and marched around town, screaming solidarity songs and holding banners demanding immediate action. The demonstration swiftly turned violent as participants assaulted government facilities.
The NDLEA office, situated near the Emir's palace, was set on fire, destroying three working cars and three motorbikes. Protesters also vandalized the Emir's palace, shattering windows and causing structural damage. The police reported that four individuals arrested at the NDLEA headquarters were forcefully released by demonstrators during the incident.
The NDLEA spokeswoman confirmed that the demonstrators erroneously attacked the agency's headquarters, confusing it with the palace because of its closeness.
Adekimi Ojo, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, denounced the assaults, calling them a dangerous trend that must be tackled immediately. He went to Lafiagi with the Brigade Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi Barracks, Ilorin, to examine the situation and meet with community leaders. Police, military, hunters, and local vigilantes have been sent to the surrounding territories to locate the abducted individuals and restore order.
During his visit, Commissioner Ojo spoke with His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Muhammadu Kudu Kawu, the Emir of Lafiagi, as well as local government officials and security experts. Alhaji Muideen Aliyu, the Senior Special Assistant on Security to the Governor of Kwara State, revealed that the demonstration was sparked in part by recent security operations targeting hard drug traffickers, which had heightened community tensions. He recognized the demonstrators' outrage about the arrests but emphasized the need for calm and collaboration in restoring peace.
Residents voiced significant despair and tiredness at the deteriorating security situation. In viral video recordings, demonstrators said that kidnappings and violent assaults had become a weekly occurrence, making it impossible for them to sleep quietly. Many people blamed local and state government officials, including the Emir, for neglecting to take appropriate steps to safeguard the neighborhood.
"We have been crying and dying in silence," one resident said. "People are abducted every week. We don't sleep with both eyes closed anymore, and nobody, neither the governor, chairman, or even the Emir, is doing anything about it." Another source portrayed the demonstration as the product of bottled-up rage and despair over the government's perceived indifference.
The disturbance in Lafiagi is indicative of a larger pattern of insecurity in Kwara North, where communities have been targeted by terrorism, kidnappings, and murders. The number and severity of assaults have escalated in recent months, disrupting everyday life and weakening public trust in security authorities.
The difficulty of combatting drug-related crimes has exacerbated the issue, as indicated by the NDLEA's recent arrests of alleged drug sellers. The friction between security activities and community feelings has produced a volatile climate, as seen by the violent protests outside the NDLEA headquarters.
The violent demonstration in Lafiagi demonstrates the critical need for robust security measures and strong government involvement with local people. While the youngsters' indignation is understandable given the rise in insecurity and kidnappings, the damage to public property and the release of suspects hinder attempts to restore order.
Security services must step up their efforts to rescue abducted victims and destroy criminal networks, while also encouraging discussion with community leaders to resolve complaints and establish trust. The government's reaction in the coming days will be vital in averting further escalation while also maintaining the safety and stability of Kwara North.
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