Residents of Lade community in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State have staged a protest against the increasing cases of bandit attacks and insecurity affecting their region.
The demonstrators, mainly youths, expressed frustration over the continuous assaults on Lade and surrounding communities. Holding placards with inscriptions such as “Our Voice Must Be Heard” and “End Banditry in Lade and Kwara North,” they demanded immediate action from Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and security agencies to restore peace and safety in Kwara North.
The protesters lamented that their communities have been under siege from relentless bandit attacks, forcing many families to flee, displacing residents, and crippling farming activities. They noted that several children have been unable to return to school due to the worsening insecurity.
“From Lade to every part of Kwara North, families are being displaced, farmers have abandoned their lands, and our children are losing hope. Enough is enough,” one of the protesters said.
They called on the government and security forces to intervene urgently, emphasizing that the time for action is now. “Kwara North must not be forgotten. Our people deserve protection,” they added.
Fresh Attack Deepens Fear in Patigi
The protest followed another violent incident in the area, where gunmen attacked Rani Ramat village in Patigi Local Government Area on Sunday evening. According to reports from NupekoTV-Lafiagi, the attack occurred around 6:20 p.m. during the Maghrib (sunset) prayer.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the assailants arrived on motorcycles and began shooting indiscriminately, causing panic and confusion among residents.
During the assault, a man identified as Alhaji Liman was shot dead, while the village head, Alhaji Ndako, was abducted and taken to an unknown destination.
A local resident described the incident as sudden and terrifying, saying the gunmen opened fire without any warning, throwing the community into chaos.
Insecurity Worsens Across Kwara North
This latest attack highlights the deteriorating security situation in the Patigi Emirate and other parts of Kwara North, where rural communities have continued to experience repeated raids, killings, and kidnappings.
Residents are now appealing to both the state and federal governments to prioritize their safety and take decisive measures to end the bandit menace that has left many displaced and living in fear.
