Amid growing security concerns in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, a group of concerned residents has issued a five-point demand aimed at addressing the rising wave of insecurity in the region.

The group’s appeal includes the immediate deployment of fully armed security personnel to all identified hotspots and the establishment of a permanent joint security base within the local council.

In a statement titled “Enough is Enough,” the citizens also urged the government to provide training, equipment, and institutional support for local vigilante groups and hunters to enhance their capacity to combat crime.

Describing the security situation as increasingly worrisome, the group called on key stakeholders, including the state government, security agencies, traditional institutions, and community leaders, to take urgent and coordinated action.

Among their other demands were the convening of emergency town hall meetings involving the state governor, heads of security formations, royal fathers, and grassroots representatives to deliberate on the crisis. They also advocated for weekly security briefings from elected officials to keep residents informed of progress, or inaction, regarding security interventions.

The Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Femi Yusuf, stated that his administration had been actively working to address the situation since taking office eight months ago.

According to him, the council initiated a wide-ranging consultation with traditional rulers to identify security challenges and develop sustainable solutions. He noted that the local vigilante structure was revamped, with personnel strength increased and stipends raised by 50 percent. Members were also enrolled in the Kwara State Health Insurance Scheme to improve their welfare.

“To enhance night-time security, we instituted daily patrols from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM across all wards,” he said.

Yusuf also revealed that, through joint operations between the vigilante group and formal security agencies, over 50 suspects had been arrested and are currently undergoing prosecution.

He added that the local administration, in partnership with the traditional council, has also launched a ward-based network of community hunters, totaling about 100 members, to boost grassroots surveillance and intelligence gathering.

Unknown gunmen have killed the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Lade Ward One, Abdullahi Shehu Kpotun and his son in the Lile community of Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State.

According to reports, the tragic incident occurred when the gunmen attacked their residence late at night, which led to their death.

In a statement by Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, in Ilorin, on Wednesday, Former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, strongly condemned the brutal killing of Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu Kpotun, the PDP Lade Ward l Chairman in Kwara North and his son.

He described the attack as barbaric, painful and unacceptable.

“This is a devastating loss. I am heartbroken by the news of the gruesome killing of Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu Kpotun and his son. My thoughts and prayers are with their immediate family and the Patigi community in this difficult time,” Saraki said.

Saraki prayed for the peaceful repose of their souls and for strength and comfort for the grieving family and community.

He also called on relevant security agencies and the Kwara State Government to take urgent and proactive measures to address the growing insecurity across the state, emphasising that the protection of lives and property must be treated as a top priority.

“This rising tide of insecurity in our dear state must not be allowed to continue. Government and security agencies must act swiftly and decisively to prevent further tragedies,” he added.

A deadly attack on soldiers by suspected gunmen in Mariga local government area of Niger State and a gun duel has left 20 soldiers dead and several bandits neutralized in the area.

It was gathered the incident occurred on Tuesday in two separate communities:

It was learnt Konan Dutse Kaiyan Ghana near Bangi was invaded around 11 pm while Gulmin Boka was at 5 pm.

Sources from the area claimed that the bandits were reportedly following their usual route to carry out abductions and cattle rustling.

Confirming the attacks, the council Chairman of Mariga, Alhaji Abbas Kasuwa Garba, said the soldiers were ambushed while responding to reports of bandit movement in the area.

The chairman also confirmed that 17 bodies of soldiers were retrieved from the forest and deposited at Kontagora barracks.

Garba further stated that the vigilantes and other security operatives are still searching and trailing the criminals.

He, however, applauded the efforts of the Air Force in countering the bandits while urging residents to remain calm and report suspected movements to relevant authorities.

“The government is doing everything possible to ensure peace and stability in the area.

As of the time of filing this report, no official statement has been issued by the state government and other security agencies in the state on the development.