By Muyideen Aliyu, Ilorin
Youths in Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, on Monday set fire to the office of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and vandalised parts of the Emir’s palace during a protest against rising insecurity in the region.
The protest erupted early in the day, with demonstrators decrying the increasing wave of kidnappings, killings, and attacks that have left the community living in fear. Chanting protest songs and brandishing placards, the youths marched through the streets to demand urgent action from authorities.
“We have been crying and dying in silence,” said one resident who declined to be named. “People are being kidnapped weekly. We don’t sleep peacefully anymore. Neither the governor, nor the council chairman, nor even the Emir seems to be responding.”
Local sources said the unrest was fuelled by frustration over the perceived failure of both local and state governments to respond decisively to repeated incidents of violence and abduction.
“The youths are worn out. Attacks have intensified and still, no concrete steps have been taken. That’s why this protest broke out today,” said another source close to the developments.
What began as a peaceful demonstration quickly escalated into violence, as protesters stormed and torched the NDLEA office in the town. The building was completely razed, along with one official vehicle and four motorcycles.
The Emir’s palace also came under attack. Sections of the structure, including windows and walls, were damaged, and some household belongings were reportedly looted.
A senior community leader, Santali Lafiagi, Alhaji Mohammed Alfa, confirmed the incident and attributed the violence to local drug traffickers who, he claimed, hijacked the protest to settle scores with security operatives.
“Rather than face the real issue of insecurity, they vandalised public assets and attacked the palace from the rear,” he said. “Vehicles were damaged and some household items stolen. The front of the palace may appear untouched, but the rear was badly affected.”
Alhaji Alfa also noted that senior officials, including the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, and the Council Chairman had earlier visited the community before returning to Ilorin. He confirmed that security in Lafiagi had since been reinforced with increased police patrols to forestall further disturbances.
Repeated efforts to reach the Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ejire Adetoun Adeyemi, were unsuccessful as calls to her phone went unanswered.
Confirming the incident, the Kwara State Commander of the NDLEA, Hajia Fatima Popoola, told our correspondent in Ilorin that the agency’s facility was targeted by local traffickers who took advantage of the unrest.
“The building was set ablaze, and they destroyed one operational vehicle and four motorcycles,” she said. “We are working with the Emir’s palace and other security agencies to identify those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice.”
