Residents of Lafiagi in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State protested on Monday over rising insecurity in their communities. They complained about constant terrorism, kidnappings, and killings.
Most of the protesters were youths. In a video clip, they were seen chanting songs and holding placards, asking the government to act quickly to stop the violence affecting their lives.
During the protest, the angry youths set fire to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) office in Lafiagi. They also vandalised the Emir of Lafiagi’s palace, breaking windows and damaging parts of the building.
We have been crying and dying in silence,” a resident said in the video. People are kidnapped every week. We cannot sleep peacefully anymore, and nobody – not the governor, the chairman, or even the Emir – is doing anything about it.
Sources said the protest happened because people were tired of the repeated attacks and the government’s lack of action.
The youths are exhausted. The attacks have increased, and there has been no concrete action from the government, a source added.
The protest became more intense as the youths moved towards government offices, and eyewitnesses confirmed that the NDLEA building was set ablaze.
In recent weeks, there have been many kidnappings in Lafiagi and nearby communities. Many victims are still in captivity, with families paying huge ransoms for their release.
On Sunday, three Fulani women were kidnapped in the area.
