Kwara Monarch Seeks Permanent Security Base as Community Battles Persistent Bandit Threat

The Owa of Eruku, Oba Olanrewaju Busari, has raised fresh concerns over the fragile security situation in his community in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, warning that residents remain vulnerable to repeated attacks by armed groups despite recent rescue operations.

Speaking during an interview on ARISE News Night on Monday, the monarch said the porous forest corridors linking the town to neighbouring Ekiti and Kogi states have continued to serve as escape routes and operational hideouts for bandits.

Oba Busari explained that several warning signs preceded the latest assault, pointing out that community members had frequently heard gunshots along rural paths, while some farmers were threatened and forced off their farmlands.

“We remain vulnerable because of the extensive forests surrounding us,” he said. “These areas provide ease of movement for attackers. Our local vigilante groups try to intervene, but the nature and scale of the recent attack were unlike anything we had encountered.”

The monarch noted that identifying the perpetrators is often difficult, as they blend into the population by disguising themselves as herders.

“They strike and retreat. Our local hunters sometimes pursue them, but they vanish into the forest and return later. Many mix with herders, making it harder to distinguish criminals from legitimate pastoralists,” he added.

While commending the swift intervention by federal and state authorities that led to the rescue of 38 abducted residents, Oba Busari emphasised the need for a more sustainable and structured security presence in the area.

“I appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for deploying soldiers and police promptly, and the Kwara State Government for responding quickly. The Commissioner of Police and the DSS acted decisively,” he said.

“But there must be a long-term solution. A permanent deployment — whether military personnel or a mobile police squadron — is essential for monitoring the forests and preventing future incursions.”

According to him, these concerns were formally communicated to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq during his visit to Eruku.

“We discussed the need for a Forward Operating Base, and the governor gave assurances that the government will establish one,” he said.

Oba Busari called on residents to remain vigilant and to report suspicious movements to the authorities.

“People should not be afraid to speak up. Alerting security agencies promptly is critical,” he urged.

On the condition of the rescued victims, the monarch expressed relief, saying they had been taken to hospital for proper medical evaluation and recovery.