Former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki has sharply criticized the Kwara State Government for what he calls a complacent approach toward rising insecurity across the state.
Speaking in Ilorin over the weekend at the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) State Congress, he described the surge in killings, kidnappings, and forced displacements as “unprecedented.”
Saraki provided chilling figures to underscore his claims: over the past year, about 70 persons have allegedly been killed in both the northern and southern senatorial districts of Kwara, while around 50 others have reportedly been injured by assailants.
In that same period, approximately 42 individuals are said to have been abducted.
Moreover, more than 25 communities have been deserted as residents flee in fear.
He warned that the state is gradually becoming a “one-town state,” with internally displaced persons converging on Ilorin to escape violence in their home areas.
He accused the state government of denying the severity of the crisis, suppressing data, and shifting blame onto opposition parties instead of confronting the threat.
“Our state is being overrun by bandits, kidnappers, and killers waging a ceaseless, needless, and careless onslaught,” Saraki lamented.
He charged that those in power have watched passively as ordinary citizens suffer.
Invoking Section 14 (2)(b) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which mandates that the security and welfare of the people be the primary duty of government, Saraki contended the current leadership is falling short of its constitutional obligations.
He pledged that the PDP would continue to draw national and international attention to the dangers facing Kwara residents and call for interventions.
On party matters, Saraki applauded the new state executive leadership, led by Hon. Adamu Bawa, as a sign of revitalization.
At the congress, Bawa was elected chairman after securing 1,498 votes from 1,572 accredited delegates.
Key officers include Wasilat Atinuke Macarthy (Deputy Chair, Offa), Abdullahi AbdulRahman (Secretary, Ilorin West), Rev. C.O.S. Fawenu (Treasurer, Ifelodun), and Hon.
Umar Shero (Financial Secretary, Baruten). Others such as Olusegun Olushola Samuel (Publicity Secretary, Isin), Monsurat Omotosho (Legal Adviser), and Imam Musa Bashir (Auditor) were also affirmed.
Saraki also extended gratitude to the outgoing executive led by Hon. Babatunde Mohammed, acknowledging their past efforts and contributions to the party’s continuity and mission.
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