Youths of Lafiagi, Edu local government area of Kwara State have protested against insecurity in the state.
They have now burnt down the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) office.
They also stormed the palace of the Emir of Lafiagi, vandalising windows and other parts of the structure in a dramatic expression of pent-up anger over what they described as years of government neglect. The youths say they have been crying and dying in silence as their people get kidnapped every week.
The youths went on rampage as they took to the streets in protest against the relentless surge in kidnappings, killings, and terrorist attacks plaguing their communities.
According to residents of the community, three people were kidnapped within the last 12 hours in two separate incidents. Among them is a popular Point of Sale (POS) agent known as Yman, who was abducted Sunday night in Lafiagi town.
In the early hours of Monday, two other victims, both Hausa men, were taken during a violent raid on Kokodo village, a nearby settlement. A young girl narrowly escaped the attackers by fleeing into the surrounding bushes.
“These attacks are becoming too rampant. The POS guy was kidnapped Sunday evening, and now two Hausa men were also taken this morning. We haven’t heard from the kidnappers, but vigilantes and security operatives have been briefed.” a resident said
The outburst of anger reached a tipping point after the recent abduction of a prominent agro-chemical dealer, popularly known as Alhaji Chemical, who was kidnapped from his home in the Taiwo area of Lafiagi around 1:00 a.m. on Sunday. Eyewitnesses say the attackers, believed to be bandits, arrived on motorcycles and overpowered local vigilantes with sophisticated weapons before escaping with their victim.
One resident described today’s protest as a result of bottled-up anger over repeated terrorist invasions.
“The youths are tired, and no tangible actions are coming from the government. Our chairman and the governor are not willing to help us.” the resident said.
