The youths in Isanlu-Isin, Kwara South Senatorial District, have sent a ‘save our soul’ message to federal, state, and local government authorities to rescue them from ceaseless banditry and other related social concerns in their community.

They expressed fear that the unchecked menace may force them to relocate to a safer haven.

Under the banner, Youth Forum, they wept over the rising wave of insecurity in the community, urging governments at all levels to urgently provide a lasting solution to the menace of banditry and kidnapping in the area.

According to its president, Alabede Solomon Olu, the group recalled that several lives and properties have been lost in recent times to the activities of armed criminals who have continued to terrorise them.

A press statement by Olu, copied to journalists in Ilorin, urged the Isin Local Government Authority, the Kwara State Government, and federal security agencies to intensify efforts to protect the community.

“The National Assembly and the Federal Government should save our people from these invasions and attacks. Isanlu Isin was once one of the safest towns, but we are now under siege,” the youths pleaded.

They advised: “All necessary steps must be taken to end banditry, kidnapping, and other related crimes.”

According to Olu, the primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property, warning that unchecked insecurity often leads to economic hardship, food scarcity, and stagnated development.

He added that “insecurity discourages both local and foreign investors, weakens small and medium enterprises, disrupts supply chains, and forces farmers to abandon farmlands due to incessant attacks.”

He emphasised that businesses often shut down in unsafe areas, resulting in job losses and exacerbating poverty.

“Since January 2025, the community has been crying over the presence of bandits in our forests, particularly along the Eleyin axis. Now, they have invaded the community in great numbers, sacking Fulani settlers and kidnapping some residents.

“Sadly, several victims are still in their custody,” he added.

The forum appealed to the Kwara State government to strengthen local vigilante groups, boost intelligence gathering, and collaborate effectively with security operatives to curb the activities of criminals.

Olu warned that criminals are exploiting Kwara’s peaceful atmosphere to hibernate and launch attacks, stressing that only coordinated government intervention, clear policies, and strategic planning can restore peace to Isanlu-Isin and its environs.