Stakeholders call for urgent action to free PWDs, others in bandits’ den
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Kwara State have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Kwara state Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, as well as the security agencies, to effect the immediate release of an abducted widow and member of the PWDS, Mrs. Mosunmola Adekunle.
Speaking with journalists in Ilorin on Thursday, the people, in collaboration with some non-governmental organisations, religious bodies and community development associations, said the widow, who suffers hearing and speech impairments, was one of the eight worshippers abducted by bandits during church service in Omugo community, Ifelodun local government area of Kwara State, on March 22, 2026.
This is just as the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said the National Human Rights Commission recently reported that in May 2026 alone, about 390 people were killed and over 200 were abducted across Nigeria.
Ajayi Mercy, who represented NHRC at a press conference organised to call attention for release of Madam Mosunmola Adekunle, lamented that insecurity affects PWDS more than any other persons, “because it’s difficult for this category of people to access safety, health care, education, and other livelihoods in general”.
She, therefore, called on the three tiers of government, and relevant stakeholders to place more consideration on PWDS regarding the issue of insecurity, saying “Human rights are not privileges, but fundamental, regardless the condition of individuals”.
The Convener of the press conference, Mrs Joy Bolarin and Founder of the Jibore Impeccable Foundation, lamented that five of the eight victims who were abducted alongside Madam Adekunle, had been reported dead in captivity, adding that Madam Adekunle, who is a widow, has seven children; two girls and five boys, at home without care.
Mrs. Bolarin opined that, should Madam Adekunle, a church usher, be lucky to escape or be released by her abductors, “she would not be able to say where she is going or hear what people say for her to get home safely”.
She decried prevalent high rate of insecurity in the State, especially attacks on PWDS, urging relevant authorities to improve the security architecture in parts of the State and the country at large.
She added: “In February this year, one Ademola Onijala, an amputee, was abducted in Olla community in the Isin local government area. He was later killed by his abductors, leaving behind a young wife and four children.
“I established a school of over 30 years in Oro-Ago, Ifelodun local government area, named Jibore Impeccable School, which is currently closed due to banditry and kidnappings. The school was established because of discrimination against persons with disabilities. One can imagine what happens to life of the students now, our future leaders while insecurity persisted.”
Mrs. Bolarin advocated monthly salary for displaced people with disabilities, saying the people suffer emotional and financial trauma.
Also speaking, a community leader in Kwara South Senatorial District, Tajudeen Olaitan Jimoh, called on the Kwara State government and the security agencies to come to the rescue of the people regarding increasing cases of insecurity in the State.
The Assistant Secretary, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ifelodun local government chapter, Ogundile Oluwafemi Peter, also called on both the federal and state governments to effect safe release of Madam Adekunle and other victims across the country from their abductors and ensure improved security so that people can sleep with their two eyes closed and also go about their legitimate businesses without any fear of harassment.
