Youths in Isanlu-Isin, Kwara South Senatorial District, have raised alarm over rising cases of banditry and kidnapping in their community, warning that unchecked insecurity may force them to relocate.

Operating under the banner of the Youth Forum, they appealed to federal, state and local government authorities to urgently provide lasting solutions to what they described as ceaseless banditry and related social concerns.

In a statement issued by its president, Alabede Solomon Olu, and made available to journalists in Ilorin, the group lamented that lives and property had been lost to the activities of armed criminals who continue to terrorise the area.

“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 statement read.

Olu stressed that government at all levels must live up to its responsibility of protecting lives and property, noting that unchecked insecurity leads to economic hardship, food scarcity, and stagnated development.

“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 said.

According to him, many businesses in unsafe areas have shut down, causing job losses and worsening poverty.

The youths said bandits had been operating from forests along the Eleyin axis since January 2025, but had now moved into the community “in great numbers, sacking Fulani settlers and kidnapping some residents. Sadly, several victims are still in their custody.”

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

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