Youths in Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, erupted in protest on Monday over the worsening insecurity in their communities, setting fire to the office of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and vandalizing the Emir’s palace
The protesters, visibly enraged, stormed the streets in what they described as a desperate response to years of neglect and rising incidents of kidnappings, killings, and terrorist attacks. Windows and other parts of the Emir’s palace were destroyed as the youths vented their frustrations over what they called “silent suffering.”
According to residents, at least three people were kidnapped in the past 12 hours in two separate incidents. Among them is a popular Point of Sale (POS) agent, known as Yman, who was abducted Sunday night in Lafiagi town.
In the early hours of Monday, two other victims—both Hausa men—were kidnapped during a violent attack on Kokodo village. A young girl reportedly escaped by fleeing into nearby bushes.
“These attacks are becoming too rampant. We haven’t heard from the kidnappers yet, but security operatives and vigilantes have been alerted,” a resident said.
Tensions in the community escalated further after the recent abduction of a well-known agro-chemical dealer, identified as Alhaji Chemical, who was taken from his residence in the Taiwo area of Lafiagi around 1 a.m. on Sunday. Witnesses said armed bandits stormed the area on motorcycles, overwhelmed local vigilantes, and fled with the victim.
One resident described the protests as the result of years of frustration. “The youths are tired. There’s no help coming. Our local chairman and the governor have turned their backs on us,” he said.
As of press time, there had been no official statement from the Kwara State government or security agencies.
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
 and vandalizing the Emir’s palace){kind=link}