Banditry Forces Kwara Communities into Fear, Says Kale Kawu to APC

Kale Kawu, the governorship candidate of the main opposition party in Kwara State, has voiced concerns about the deteriorating security situation in parts of the state.

Kawu expressed his worry following the death of Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda, a monarch who was held captive by bandits in the Olayinka community of Ifelodun Local Government Area. He noted that communities now live in fear.

In a statement issued in Ilorin on Wednesday, Kawu said that attacks on community leaders, traditional rulers and innocent citizens have become increasingly alarming.

The flag bearer for the 2027 general elections charged the ruling All Progressives Congress government to do more to secure the state.

He highlighted that the incident underscores the frightening level of insecurity confronting many communities across Kwara, and expressed deep sorrow over the monarch’s tragic death at the hands of suspected criminals.

Kawu condoled the immediate family of the deceased monarch, the people of Olayinka community, and all those affected by the tragedy.

He noted that reports indicated the monarch was held captive by criminal elements for several weeks. During that time, members of the community reportedly mobilised and paid a ransom of about N21 million, along with other items demanded by the abductors, yet the revered traditional ruler did not return alive.

“The reported circumstances surrounding the death of Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda are heartbreaking and deeply disturbing. It is painful that despite the sacrifices reportedly made by members of his community in their efforts to secure his freedom, the monarch did not return alive,” he said.

The PDP governorship candidate stated that the death of the traditional ruler is not only a loss to his family and community but also a significant loss to the traditional institution and the people of Kwara State.

Kawu called on the state government and relevant security agencies to take urgent and decisive steps toward protecting lives and property across the state.

“It is deeply disturbing that communities continue to live in fear due to recurring security breaches. The protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government, and more must be done to secure our towns and villages from criminal elements,” he said.

Kawu urged the government to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve collaboration among security agencies, and provide the necessary support and resources required to effectively combat insecurity.

He also called on residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could help prevent criminal activities.