As a human rights activist, public policy analyst, and author, I’ve always believed that security is everyone’s business. Unlike security agencies, we can’t afford to operate in secrecy. Our role is to investigate, engage, and educate. My team’s visits to Kwara’s communities over the past two years have given me unique insights. We’ve walked the length and breadth of the state, building relationships with traditional rulers and understanding local dynamics. When good things or crises erupt, I have sources to turn to. Now, I’ll share my experiences and wonder. will Governor Abdulrahamon heed the call to action?
My eleven-month visit to Kwara State’s local governments, including Kaima and Baruten, revealed unimaginable challenges. Every community has a story to tell, and our interactions with traditional rulers provided valuable insights into the struggles they face. The rise of a new terrorist group in Kaima and Baruten is alarming, and the Nanoo community’s experience is particularly disturbing. In one village, respected rulers in Kwara North and South, whom I won’t mention, shared harrowing accounts of traditional rulers’ kidnappings and threats they faced. Yet, under the leadership of courageous and powerful Emir and Oba.communities rallied, formed youth groups, and successfully defeated the terrorists, restoring normalcy. However, the emergence of another group raises concerns about the region’s stability. This is a story that needs to be told, and I believe it’s a narrative that will resonate with many. I’ll continue to reflect on this experience, and perhaps, in time, I’ll put my thoughts into words that will spark a necessary conversation.
The emergence of a new terrorist group in Kaima, Baruten and killing in Ekiti, is concerning, particularly in Nanoo, where a respected ruler shared a harrowing account of kidnapping and threats. Under courageous Emirs’ leadership, communities rallied and defeated the terrorists, but the resurgence of another group raises stability concerns. Notably, locals revealed that Boko Haram had occupied some Kaima communities bordering Niger State few years ago ,but their presence was unknown in Ilorin and unreported by the press. The communities, with security forces, successfully repelled them that time. However, the current resurgence of terrorist groups in areas like Sanugbe and Kenugbe in Baruten LGA is disturbing. These areas, located at the extreme ends of Kwara State, share borders with neighboring countries and states, and similar challenges exist in Kwara South. The advice from a Sokoto-based general, who assured us of safety, and Dikko, a local grassroots figure, who warned us against visiting, highlights the complexity of the situation. The fact remains that these border communities are vulnerable to banditry, and their remote locations exacerbate the challenges.
The porous borders shared with Niger and within states like Niger, Kogi, Osun, and Oyo pose significant security challenges. To address this, governors should consider installing CCTV cameras along the borders to enhance monitoring and tracking of individuals entering and exiting the state. This strategy has proven effective, as seen in the initiatives of governors like Abdullahi Ganduje in Kano and Babatunde Fashola in Lagos.
The traditional policing methods employed in Kwara State since its creation in 1967 are no longer sufficient, given the state’s population of over three million. A more innovative approach is needed. One potential solution is to reinstate the disengaged custodian police, who could work in tandem with existing security agencies, similar to the Amotekun initiative in the Southwest region.
The Southwest’s relative peace and security can be attributed to the visionary leadership of late Governor Akeredolu, former Governor Fashola, and Senator Aregbesola. Security is a pressing concern that demands serious attention. Kwara South, particularly Ekiti LGA, is vulnerable to insecurity, and the experiences of my team and I in the state have been disheartening. It’s imperative that immediate action is taken to address the security challenges plaguing Kwara State, where no area can be considered safe anymore.
I was deeply dismayed when Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq disbanded the Custerbulary Community Policing initiative in Kwara State. With neighboring states like Oyo, Osun, and Ekiti having their own Amotekun security agencies, and metropolitan police forces in developed countries like London and America, Kwara’s 3 million citizens deserve better security. It’s urgent that the governor reconsider and reinstate this vital initiative.
Comrade Mashood Lanrey Osho is a Human Right Activist, Anti-corruption Crusader, Author and public policy Analyst.
3rd of May,2025
