Insecurity: Senate Asks FG To Establish Military Base In Kwara
The Senate has asked the federal government to establish a permanent military base in Kwara South to tackle rising insecurity in the region.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by the Senator representing Kwara South, Ashiru Oyelola, during Wednesday’s plenary.
Oyelola said bandit attacks, kidnappings, and killings have reached “alarming levels” in Ifelodun local government area, forcing many residents to flee their homes.
He noted that no fewer than 12 forest guards and local vigilantes were recently killed in an ambush by armed bandits in Oke-Ode.
Oyelola said several traditional and community leaders were also slain in Babanla, Sagbe, Oro Ago, Ganmu-Alheri, and other areas across Ifelodun, Isin, Ekiti, and Oke Ero LGAs.
The lawmaker said that at least 142 persons have been kidnapped and more than 70 killed in the last year across Kwara South, while 25 communities have been deserted due to recurring attacks.
He added that the assaults, allegedly carried out by foreign armed elements working with local informants, have disrupted farming, schooling, and trade activities, plunging the region into deeper poverty.
“The responses by the federal government and security agencies remain episodic, inadequate, and reactive, leaving vast ungoverned spaces under the control of criminal gangs,” he said.
Sunday Karimi, senator representing Kogi West, who seconded the motion, said communities have been overrun by bandits, forcing residents to abandon their homes.
“In the last six months, our people have been attacked every day. Some people are benefiting from this criminality. We have to move fast and stop them. Our people are suffering and we must act urgently,” Karimi said.
Adams Oshiomhole, senator representing Edo North, said the security crisis in one region should concern the entire nation.
“Injury to one is injury to all. These criminals are moving down south, and they have reached Edo North,” Oshiomhole said.
“Each day a Nigerian is kidnapped, especially near military facilities, Nigerians lose confidence. The armed forces must restrategise and work harder.”
Meanwhile, the senate also directed its committees on defence, police affairs, and national security to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of affected areas and report back within two weeks.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
