From Our Correspondent
Residents of Lafiagi in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State yesterday took to the streets to protest against the worsening insecurity in their communities.
The residents, predominantly youths lamented the incessant cases of terrorism, kidnapping and killings in the area.
The protesters expressed frustration over what they termed government’s inaction in the face of continued violence.
In a video clip sighted by AljazirahNigeria, they were seen chanting solidarity songs and waving placards, demanding urgent intervention to curb the bloodshed and abductions disrupting daily life.
The irate youths set fire to the office of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in Lafiagi and vandalised the palace of the Emir of Lafiagi, smashing windows and damaging parts of the building.
“We have been crying and dying in silence. People are being kidnapped every week. We don’t sleep with both eyes closed anymore and nobody, neither the governor, the chairman, nor even the emir, is doing anything about it,” a resident said in the video clip.
According to a source, the protest was triggered by accumulated anger over persistent attacks and lack of effective response from local and state authorities.
“The youths are exhausted and there has been no concrete action from government.
“The frequency of attacks has increased, which is why the protest erupted today,” the source stated.
The unrest reportedly escalated as protesters moved toward key government buildings, including security agencies offices. According to eyewitnesses, the NDLEA facility was set ablaze during the demonstration.
According to a report, Lafiagi and neighbouring communities have experienced several abductions in recent weeks, with multiple residents still held captive.
Families of the victims have reportedly paid substantial ransom to secure the release of their loved ones.
