Kaiama Protest, Reflection Of Growing Distrust in Kwara Govt’s Security Response: PDP
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said Friday’s peaceful protest by residents of Kaiama over the prolonged captivity of Woro community abductees was a reflection of growing loss of confidence in Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s handling of security challenges in the State.
The opposition party stated this in a statement by its State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, following the protest by hundreds of Kaiama residents demanding the rescue of scores of abductees who have remained in captivity for more than five months.
The protest, which attracted men, women, youths and traditional leaders, saw demonstrators march through major parts of Kaiama town, urging both the Federal Government and the Kwara State Government to intensify efforts to rescue the victims.
Reacting, the PDP argued that the protesters’ direct appeal to President Bola Tinubu rather than the state government indicated that many residents have lost confidence in Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership.
“Seeing Kaiama protesters with placards appealing directly to President Bola Tinubu is a vote of no confidence in Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership and his nonchalant handling of the security crisis in Kwara State,” the party said.
According to the opposition party, the Governor has failed to provide the leadership expected during one of the state’s most serious security challenges, insisting that governors must complement the Federal Government’s efforts through regular engagement with security agencies, intelligence coordination and support for affected communities.
The PDP acknowledged President Tinubu’s efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture but argued that such efforts require active collaboration from state governments to achieve meaningful results.
It questioned the steps allegedly taken by the Kwara State Government since the abduction, asking how often the governor had met with victims’ families, what rescue strategies had been introduced and what direct assistance had been provided to those affected.
The party further claimed that the governor’s prolonged absence from the state had created what it described as a leadership vacuum, leaving many residents feeling abandoned.
“Leadership is not exercised from the FCT. It is demonstrated by standing shoulder to shoulder with the people in their darkest moments, coordinating every available resource, engaging security agencies and refusing to rest until every captive is safely reunited with their families,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, residents of Kaiama had earlier staged a peaceful protest demanding the rescue of 176 abductees from Woro community, who they said had remained in captivity for 171 days since the February 3 attack.
President of the Kaiama Development Association, Alhaji Salihu Yakubu, said more than 300 people were reportedly killed during the attack while 176 others were abducted.
“We are calling on the government to come to our rescue and bring back our children, wives and husbands. Enough is enough. The government should act swiftly to rescue our innocent people,” Yakubu said.
The Village Head of Woro, Alhaji Umar Bio-Salihu, also appealed for urgent intervention, saying neighbouring communities had continued to suffer attacks by suspected bandits.
Responding on behalf of the local council, Kaiama Local Government spokesperson, Suleiman Tanko, assured the protesters that the Council Chairman was working with the Kwara State Government and relevant security agencies to secure the release of the abducted residents.
