Banditry: Kwara communities now living in fear – Kale Kawu to APC

The governorship candidate of the main opposition party in Kwara State, Kale Kawu, has raised concern over the worsening security situation in some parts of the state.

Kawu expressed his worry while reacting to the death of a monarch, Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda, in Olayinka community of Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state, in bandits’ captivity, noting that communities now live in fear.

In a statement in Ilorin on Wednesday, Kawu said attacks on community leaders, traditional rulers and innocent citizens in the state have become increasingly alarming.

The flag bearer of the party for the 2027 general elections in the state, charged the ruling All Progressives Congress government to do more in securing the state.

He noted that the development underscores the frightening level of insecurity confronting many communities across the state, expressing deep sorrow over the tragic death of the monarch in the hands of suspected criminals.

He condoled the immediate family of the deceased monarch, the people of Olayinka community, and all those affected by the tragedy.

He noted that reports indicated that the monarch was held captive by criminal elements for several weeks, during which members of the community reportedly mobilised and paid a ransom of about N21m alongside other items demanded by the abductors, only for the revered traditional ruler not to return alive.

“The reported circumstances surrounding the death of Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda are heartbreaking and deeply disturbing. It is painful that despite the sacrifices reportedly made by members of his community in their efforts to secure his freedom, the monarch did not return alive,” he said.

The PDP governorship candidate stated that the death of the traditional ruler is not only a loss to his family and community but also a significant loss to the traditional institution and the people of Kwara State.

Kawu called on the state government and relevant security agencies to take urgent and decisive steps toward protecting lives and property across the state.

“It is deeply disturbing that communities continue to live in fear due to recurring security breaches. The protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government, and more must be done to secure our towns and villages from criminal elements,” he said.

Kawu urged the government to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve collaboration among security agencies, and provide the necessary support and resources required to effectively combat insecurity.

He also called on residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could help prevent criminal activities.