Prominent elders and stakeholders in Kwara North Senatorial District under the aegis of the Kwara North Development Commission (KNDC) have alleged the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of lacking the ability to halt the escalating banditry and terrorism in the region, claiming that over 1,200 people have been killed since 2023 he assumed office.

The group warned that unless urgent and decisive action is taken to restore security in the district, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) risks losing the goodwill and thei support in the 2027 elections.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by leading elders and stakeholders of the district led by its National President, Alhaji Abdullahi Manzuma and Publicity Secretary, Hajia Zainab Seko, the group lamented what it described as the: “near-total collapse” of security in the region, saying that more than 1200 people have been killed by bandits and terrorists in recent years, while hundreds of others are in captivity.

The stakeholders said the security has devastated communities across the five local governments of Baruten, Kaiama, Edu, Patigi and Moro making the district, leaving residents displaced, farms abandoned and economic activities crippled.

According to them, “the region, once regarded as the food basket of Kwara, has become a shadow of itself due to incessant attacks by armed groups operating freely across vast rural territories.

“Our people are living in fear. Entire communities have been sacked. More than 1200 lives have been lost and many of our sons, daughters, wives and husbands are still being held captive by terrorists and bandits,” the statement said.

“The economy of the region has been grounded. Agriculture, which is the mainstay of our people, has suffered immensely. Farmers can no longer access their farmlands safely, while buyers and traders are unwilling to come into the region because of security concerns. As a result, farm produce is wasting away,” they wept.

The group acknowledged the efforts of the governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in addressing the challenge but maintained that the responsibility for securing lives and property ultimately rests with the Federal Government.

“We recognize that the Kwara State Government is doing its best within the limits of its constitutional powers. However, the buck stops on the table of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“This is no longer a local challenge. What we are witnessing is a national security emergency that requires decisive federal intervention,” KNDC maintained.

The stakeholders expressed concern that the worsening situation has begun to alter long-standing social and cultural traditions in the region. According to them, many indigenes who ordinarily return home during festive periods have chosen to stay away for fear of attacks.

“For the first time in our history, many of our children refused to come home during the last festive celebrations because they were afraid for their safety. This is unprecedented and speaks volumes about the gravity of the situation.

“We are a peace-loving agrarian people. Our people do not deserve this level of suffering and neglect,” they sought.

The elders warned that unless urgent action is taken to restore security and confidence in the region, it would be difficult for political leaders to mobilize support for the ruling party ahead of future elections.

“It will be very difficult to begin to campaign to people who are under siege, to mothers who have lost their children, and to fathers who can no longer provide for their families because their means of livelihood have been destroyed.

“Politics cannot thrive where people are struggling simply to stay alive,” they said, appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deploy necessary security resources to the area and ensure that communities are protected from terrorists and criminal elements.

“We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the father of the nation, to rise to this challenge and take immediate steps to protect our communities from terrorism and banditry.

“The people of Kwara North have always been loyal to the APC-led government and patriotic citizens of Nigeria. What they seek is not charity, but security, justice and the opportunity to live and work in peace,” they added.

The stakeholders said restoring security in the region would not only save lives but also revive agricultural production and economic activities critical to the food security of both Kwara State and Nigeria as a whole.