The Digest:
Kwara State, once celebrated as Nigeria’s "State of Harmony," is now grappling with escalating bandit attacks that have left over 70 people dead and displaced thousands. According to Weekend Trust, the crisis has devastated rural economies, with farmers abandoning their lands and residents fleeing to urban centers like Ilorin as security forces struggle to contain the violence.
Key Points:
- Over 71 people were killed and 86 were kidnapped in Kwara in nine months.
- The recent Oke-Ode attack left 12 dead, including hunters and vigilantes.
- Bandits now control vast forests like "Baba Sango," using them as bases.
- The Chinese mining investor kidnapped since June remains missing despite a N1 billion ransom demand.
- Over 57 communities were affected, many completely deserted.
- NYSC camp relocated, schools and markets shut down due to insecurity.
- Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq vows to establish a civilian task force amid ongoing military operations.
Sources: Daily Trust
