Saraki Blasts Kwara Government Over Rising Insecurity, Commends PDP Congress

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has criticized the Kwara State Government for what he described as its failure to address escalating insecurity across the state.

Speaking on Saturday in Ilorin during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) state congress, Saraki revealed that over 70 people have been killed, 52 injured, and 40 kidnapped in bandit attacks across Kwara in the past six months.

“The current government has failed to protect lives and property. Silence in the face of such attacks is dangerous,” Saraki said, accusing the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration of incompetence.

He recalled that during the tenures of his predecessors—Governors Adamu Attah, Shaaba Lafiagi, Mohammed Lawal, his own administration, and that of his immediate successor, AbdulFatai Ahmed—Kwara experienced relative peace.

“Security is everyone’s business. We cannot sit back while the leadership in Kwara State allows the state to descend into chaos,” he added.

Kwara, traditionally one of Nigeria’s more peaceful states, has seen rising security challenges in recent months, particularly in communities along the northern border with Niger and parts of Benin Republic. Areas such as Baruten, Kaiama, and Edu Local Government Areas have been targeted by bandits, with attacks including kidnappings, raids on farmlands, and killings.

Recent incidents include a raid on Chekugi village in Edu LGA, where four residents were abducted, and another on Matokun village in Patigi LGA, which left a pregnant woman dead and five others injured. Villagers were reportedly held hostage for more than five hours, with 12 people abducted.

On the PDP state congress, Saraki praised members for a peaceful and fair exercise, which he said positioned the party as a credible alternative in Kwara.

“The PDP has shown it provides a level playing field and respects the will of the people. Our congresses are mature and orderly, unlike in other parties where violence is often a feature,” he said.

The PDP concluded its ward and local government congresses across Kwara, culminating in Saturday’s state-level exercise in Ilorin.