Youths in Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, erupted in protest on Monday following a series of violent attacks and abductions that have shaken the community. The protesters, angry over growing insecurity, set the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) office on fire and stormed the palace of the Emir of Lafiagi, damaging windows and other parts of the building.
The unrest was sparked by multiple kidnapping incidents within a short period. A well-known Point of Sale (POS) operator, popularly known as Yman, was abducted Sunday night in Lafiagi town. By early Monday morning, two more residents—both Hausa men—were taken during a raid on Kokodo village. A young girl who was nearby managed to escape by running into the bush.
Residents said these attacks have become a regular nightmare. “The POS guy was taken last night, and now two more were kidnapped this morning. It’s happening too often. We haven’t heard from the kidnappers, but security and vigilantes have been alerted,” one resident said.
Tension grew after the recent abduction of a respected agrochemical dealer, known locally as Alhaji Chemical. He was taken from his home in the Taiwo area around 1 a.m. on Sunday. Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers, believed to be bandits, rode in on motorcycles and used advanced weapons to overpower local vigilantes before fleeing with their target.
A resident described the protest as long overdue, saying people have been suffering in silence. “The youths are tired. Every week, someone gets kidnapped. Our leaders are not helping, and nothing is being done. That’s why everything exploded today.”
