Insecurity in Kwara North Deliberately Concealed, Alleges U. Qasim

Insecurity in Kwara North Deliberately Concealed, Alleges U. Qasim.

A critical new report by Sanchitagi Ndakitabu Qasim accuses the Kwara State government of intentionally suppressing and distorting the true extent of the security crisis gripping Edu and Patigi local government areas. Qasim alleges that through "strategic information control," the government is attempting to create a false impression of peace while residents face ongoing misery from attacks.

Qasim points to a disturbing pattern of selective reporting by the government. He highlights the contrast between the governor's public actions regarding security in other parts of the state and the silence surrounding the crisis in Kwara North. For example, he notes a series of high-level meetings, visits, and financial support provided to communities in Kwara South, while leaders from Edu and Patigi were only "briefed alongside others on the possible deployment of forest guards."

"The state government has not publicly acknowledged a single bandit attack in Edu or Patigi," Qasim wrote. "No exclusive meetings have been held with traditional leaders or stakeholders from these LGs. There have been no condolence messages, no solidarity visits, and no concrete intervention from the governor."

The author reveals the devastating human cost of this neglect, reporting that between August 1 and September 23 alone, there have been at least ten attacks in the two local governments, with multiple deaths, including that of a pregnant woman, and an increasing number of displaced villagers.

Qasim also exposes what he describes as a campaign of intimidation to prevent youths from speaking out. He contrasts the successful protest by youths in Isanlu with the suppression of similar efforts in Edu and Patigi. A planned protest in Ilorin by youths from the region was cancelled "under threat of intimidation," and a recent attempt in Lafiagi was met with harassment by community members "reportedly acting on orders from certain individuals."

He dismisses the argument that such protests are too risky, stating that previous violent incidents were a "result of government inaction." Qasim warns that without proactive measures, the situation could spiral into a "more chaotic and uncoordinated uprising."

In a final, chilling assessment, Qasim asserts that the communities are facing "full-fledged terrorism" and warns of a grim future if the government does not take "immediate and decisive action." "If urgent steps are not taken, what we are witnessing today may soon escalate to levels that make Boko Haram look like a lesser threat."