Supporters of the Take It Back Movement alongside concerned youths from Kwara North staged a protest at the Government House in Ilorin on Thursday, decrying what they called relentless violence and official indifference in parts of the state’s northern region.
The demonstrators, who converged on the state capital carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, said communities in Edu and Patigi Local Government Areas have been ravaged by recurring attacks.
They pointed to incidents in Woro and Gbugbu as painful examples of what they described as unchecked killings and abductions.
With inscriptions such as, “Kwara North needs protection, not abandonment,” and “Stop shifting the burden to unsafe communities,” the protesters expressed frustration over what they see as inadequate security measures.
”We No Longer Feel Safe”
They argued that residents of Edu LGA, in particular, now live in constant fear as armed groups allegedly strike at night, leaving families traumatised and displaced.
Speaking during the march, a youth representative lamented that violence had become routine in the area.
He said many villagers no longer feel safe farming or going about their daily routines, as gunshots and kidnappings have become disturbingly frequent occurrences.
According to him, communities cannot continue to endure what he termed a “new normal” of insecurity.
The group stressed that their action was not politically driven but born out of desperation.
They described the protest as a peaceful appeal for urgent intervention, insisting that the safety of lives and property in Kwara North must take priority.
The protesters also referenced the alleged massacre in Woro and repeated attacks on Gbugbu, demanding justice for victims and stronger action against perpetrators.
The Demand
They called for an immediate boost in security presence, enhanced surveillance in rural settlements, and a comprehensive strategy to curb the activities of armed groups operating in the region.
In addition, the demonstrators cautioned authorities against relocating internally displaced persons to areas they believe remain unsafe.
They urged the state government to first stabilise affected communities before considering resettlement plans.
Reaffirming their unity, the youths declared that the people of Kwara North are united in their demand for accountability and effective protection.
They maintained that their message was clear: the ongoing bloodshed must end, and concrete security solutions must be implemented without delay.
