LEYTA Opposes Reported Relocation of 22 Armoured Brigade to Moro, Urges Military Presence in Edu and Patigi.

By Mohammed Idris shaaba ✔

LEYTA Opposes Reported Relocation of 22 Armoured Brigade to Moro, Urges Military Presence in Edu and Patigi

The Lafiagi Emirate Youth Transparent Association (LEYTA) has called on the Federal Government and the Kwara State Government to urgently review the reported decision to relocate the 22 Armoured Brigade to Moro Local Government Area, arguing that the military formation should instead be established in either Edu or Patigi Local Government Areas, where communities have experienced persistent security challenges.

In a statement signed by the LEYTA Media Team and made available to NUPEKOTV on Friday, the association expressed disappointment over the reported development, describing it as a decision that, if implemented, would fail to reflect the prevailing security realities in Kwara North.

According to the association, Edu and Patigi Local Government Areas have, over the past several months, witnessed repeated incidents of armed attacks, kidnappings, killings, displacement of residents, and the abandonment of farmlands due to insecurity.

LEYTA noted that several communities across the two local government areas have suffered significant losses, with many families reportedly forced to flee their homes. In contrast, others continue to live under the fear of recurring attacks.

The association argued that farming—the major source of livelihood for many residents—has been severely affected, as numerous farmers have reportedly been unable to access their farmland due to insecurity. It added that the situation has negatively impacted local economic activities, while some communities have continued to appeal for a stronger security presence.

The statement comes against the backdrop of a series of security incidents previously reported in parts of Edu and Patigi Local Government Areas, including attacks on communities such as Lata Woro and Lata Nna, where residents reported armed raids, displacement, loss of property, and repeated calls for the deployment of military personnel. Other incidents in Kwara North, including attacks in Kaiama Local Government Area, have also heightened concerns over security in the region.

LEYTA maintained that the location of a major military formation should be determined by operational necessity and the need to provide rapid security response to communities facing the greatest threats.

"The people of Edu and Patigi are not asking for privilege; they are asking for protection. They are not asking for political favour; they are demanding their constitutional right to live in safety and dignity," the statement read.

The association appealed to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to engage relevant authorities in advocating for a security architecture that reflects the realities confronting communities in Kwara North.

It also called on traditional rulers, elected representatives, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to unite in seeking a lasting solution to the security challenges facing the affected communities.

While expressing concern over the reported relocation, LEYTA urged residents, particularly youths, to remain peaceful and pursue their demands through lawful and democratic means.

The association concluded that protecting lives and restoring confidence in affected communities should remain the highest priority, insisting that communities battling persistent insecurity deserve security interventions that match the scale of the challenges they face.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the Nigerian Army or the Kwara State Government confirming or responding to the reported relocation of the 22 Armoured Brigade.

NUPEKOTV reports that the position expressed above is contained in a press statement issued by the Lafiagi Emirate Youth Transparent Association (LEYTA).