Residents of Lade community in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State — the hometown of the state’s Commissioner for Water Resources, Usman Lade — have taken to the streets to protest the escalating cases of bandit attacks and insecurity plaguing their area.
The demonstrators, mostly youths, carried placards with messages such as “Our Voice Must Be Heard” and “End Banditry in Lade and Kwara North.” They lamented that they could no longer live peacefully in their homes while their communities and farmlands remain under constant siege.
According to the protesters, Lade and nearby villages have continued to suffer relentless assaults from armed groups, leaving families displaced, farmlands deserted, and children’s futures uncertain.
“From Lade to every corner of Kwara North, families are being displaced, farmers are abandoning their lands, and children are losing hope. Enough is enough,” one of the protesters declared.
They appealed to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, security agencies, and other relevant authorities to take swift and concrete steps to restore peace and stability in the region.
“The time to act is now,” the youths emphasised.
“Kwara North must not be forgotten. Our people deserve protection.”
Earlier, SaharaReporters reported that bandit attacks in parts of Kwara North had taken a deadly turn after gunmen invaded Rani Ramat village in Patigi Local Government Area on Sunday evening, killing one person and abducting the village head.
According to NupekoTV-Lafiagi, the assault occurred around 6:20 p.m. during the Maghrib (sunset) prayer, when residents were gathered at the mosque. Witnesses recounted that the gunmen arrived on motorcycles and opened fire indiscriminately, causing widespread panic.
During the attack, a resident identified as Alhaji Liman was shot dead instantly, while the assailants kidnapped the village head, Alhaji Ndako, and fled to an undisclosed location.
Local sources said the attackers struck without warning, leaving the entire community in turmoil.
The incident highlights the worsening security situation across the Patigi Emirate, where rural settlements continue to face repeated raids and kidnappings.
Kwara State has recently experienced a surge in violent attacks, deepening fears among residents of the northern part of the state.
