Residents of Lafiagi in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State took to the streets in anger on Monday, expressing outrage over relentless kidnappings, killings, and terror attacks that have gone unchecked in their communities.
According to journalists who obtained footage of the demonstration, the protesters, primarily frustrated youth, set fire to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) office in Lafiagi and stormed the palace of the Emir, damaging parts of the structure, including its windows.
“We have been crying and dying in silence,” one demonstrator told reporters.
“People are being kidnapped every week. We don’t sleep with our two eyes closed anymore, and nobody, not the governor, not the chairman, not even the Emir, is doing anything about it.”
Another resident who witnessed the chaos explained that the protest was fueled by prolonged frustration over recurring attacks.
“The youths are tired, and no tangible actions are coming from the government. Our chairman and the governor are not willing to help us,” he said. “The attacks are getting more intense; this is why the youth protested today.”
Confirming the unrest, community sources noted that security agency offices and traditional institutions were targeted during the protest.
“Protesters went to the Emir’s palace and stormed some offices belonging to security agencies. The NDLEA office was torched,” a source disclosed.
The region has seen a troubling spike in abductions recently, with families often forced to pay heavy ransoms.
Journalists reported that just hours before the protest, three people were abducted in two separate attacks within 12 hours.
One of the victims, identified as Yman, a popular Point of Sale (POS) operator, was taken on Sunday night in Lafiagi.
Two others, both Hausa men, were kidnapped during a pre-dawn attack on Kokodo village on Monday, June 30, 2025.
A young girl narrowly escaped the Kokodo abduction by fleeing into the surrounding bush.
Speaking to journalists, a local source said, “The attacks are becoming too rampant.
The POS guy was kidnapped on Sunday evening, and now, this morning, the two other people, who are Hausa, were also kidnapped this Monday morning.”
He added, “As we speak, nobody has heard from the kidnappers. But the vigilantes and the security operatives have been briefed, and they are currently working on their rescue.”
This unrest follows the recent kidnapping of a well-known agrochemical dealer, Alhaji Chemical, who was abducted from his Taiwo residence in Lafiagi town around 1:00 a.m. on Sunday.
Witnesses described how the attackers, riding motorcycles, overpowered local vigilantes before whisking him away.