By Kayode Abdulazeez
Security of lives and properties is enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution as one of the cardinal responsibilities of government at all levels. Federal, State, and Local Governments are granted the power to maintain law and order due to the sensitivity and prices that come with it.
Section 14 (2b) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, as amended, states that “the security of citizens shall be the primary purpose of government.” Thus, the government at all levels owes the people a constitutional duty to protect their lives and properties, irrespective of their ethnic, religious, and political affiliations.
The above constitutional provision prompts me to call on the Kwara State Government, under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to take decisive action in tackling incessant kidnapping in the southern senatorial district, cultism/armed robbery attacks in the Central, and kidnapping/communal clashes in the Northern senatorial district.
These unrest cases could be averted or minimized by providing adequate security guards for surveillance and on-spot action.
A quick review of recent kidnapping cases in the state shows that urgent attention is needed from the present administration, led by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, to live up to one of his major constitutional responsibilities:
– January 16, 2024: Four members of the Afin Community in Ileire district of Ifelodun LGA were kidnapped, including the High Chief.
– February 1, 2024: Gunmen invaded the palace of Onikoro of Koro in Ekiti LGA, killing the monarch, a retired Army General, and kidnapping his wife.
– March 11, 2024: Gunmen invaded a guest house along Ilorin/Ogbomoso road in Asa LGA and abducted a Chinese national, Williams Zang.
– June 2, 2024: Security agencies rescued 21 students of Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) Osara in Kogi State from the forest in Kwara South.
– August 17, 2024: Gunmen ambushed a commercial vehicle along Osi-Obbo road in Ekiti LGA and kidnapped 20 passengers.
– September 28, 2024: Gunmen invaded Olla community in Isin LGA and abducted Rev S O Adewumi of Olla ECWA Church and Engr Adeyemi.
– September 11, 2024: Gunmen invaded Kosubosu town in Baruten LGA and abducted Mr Emeka C. Nwachukwu.
– September 30, 2024: Gunmen invaded Boriya community in Baruten LGA and abducted Adamu Aliyu Galadima.
– September 30, 2024: Gunmen invaded Igbaja community in Ifelodun LGA, abducted three persons, and killed the head of the community security guard (Chief Lukman Balogun).
– October 10, 2024: Unidentified people suspected to be kidnappers were seen around Oreke/Okegbo community in Ifelodun LGA; one person was killed around Awere River, and another sustained gunshot injuries.
Similarly, there have been frequent reports of attacks on innocent travelers around Otte/Alaparun Communities in Ilorin/Ogbomoso expressway by armed robbers, resulting in killings and victims.
The cases mentioned above are only those officially reported to security agencies. There are also reported and unreported cases of cultism clashes, armed robberies, and ritual killings across the state.
It is clear that the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Department of Security Services (DSS), constitutionally empowered to maintain internal security, lack manpower to cover communities and ungoverned areas (deep forests) where perpetrators hide.
As the state’s top security officer, with millions of naira allocated monthly as security votes from the Federal Government, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is expected to proactively tackle insecurity.
Citizens have the right to question their leaders when security concerns arise, despite the sensitivity of the matter.
Kwara State government could take cues from neighboring Oyo State and other South Western states, creating job opportunities for youth and middle-aged individuals by recruiting them as security agents (Amotekun) to support state security agencies.
The existing collaboration between local vigilantes and Police Force is unofficial, but volunteer vigilantes lack commitment due to lack of recognition or compensation.
The state government can collaborate with local governments to recruit security guards, providing a sense of belonging as subordinates to state security agencies.
In conclusion, hosting a comprehensive security summit is crucial to address the escalating insecurity in Kwara State. This collaborative platform will bring together security experts, agencies, community leaders, and stakeholders to:
– Share expertise and insights
– Identify effective strategies
– Develop actionable plans
By fostering a collective approach, the summit will facilitate innovative solutions to combat kidnapping, cultism, and armed robbery, ensuring the restoration of peace and security in the state.
Kayode Abdulazeez
Journalist, Ilorin
Kaybizmind@gmail.com | Facebook: @KayodeAbdulazeez