The Isanlu Isin Development Association in Kwara State has appealed to both the state and federal governments, as well as security agencies, to urgently intervene and protect residents of the community, who have been under constant attacks by armed bandits for nearly two months.
The association’s Vice President, Dr. Jacob Ayanda, made the appeal in a statement issued on Saturday, detailing the relentless and unchecked activities of the armed criminals in the area.
According to reports, last Tuesday, the Eleyin community in Kwara State was hit by a brutal attack, during which two people were killed, six others declared missing, and over 27 motorcycles belonging to local vigilantes were set ablaze by the bandits.
Following the Tuesday incident, angry youths on Saturday blocked the Ilorin-OmuAran-Kabba Kwara State highway to protest the spate of attacks on the community and its environs.
Vice-President of the association, said, “Just four days ago, intelligence reached us that the bandits were planning to invade our town. Two spies were dispatched, one of whom was apprehended.
“In response, our local Vigilante Group, with support from neighbouring communities, Omu-Aran, Oko, Ola, and others—mobilized to defend our land.
“Tragically, the vigilantes walked into an ambush. Though they fought bravely and repelled the attackers, the bandits retaliated with devastating impact.
“Over 27 motorcycles belonging to our vigilantes were set ablaze, two of our gallant men were killed, while six remain missing.”
“In sheer desperation, we blocked the Ilorin–Lokoja road, not out of lawlessness, but to let the world see our plight and the gross insensitivity of those in authority who have abandoned us to our fate.
“Today, we raise our voices to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and all relevant security agencies: Come to the rescue of Isanlu Isin. Help us replace the motorcycles and resources of our vigilantes.
“Conduct immediate search and rescue operations for our missing men, comb the bushes and forests around our community, now infested with armed bandits.
“Show that the government still exists for the people, and that Nigerian citizens are not left to defend themselves in the face of organized terror,” he pleaded.
Reacting to the development, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State in a statement issued by his spokesman, Rafiu Ajakaye, commended the brave act of the vigilantes in the community, which resulted in the elimination of many armed criminals.
He said, “the community’s action against the criminals is consistent with their rights to live without fear or intimidation at all times.”
Governor Abdulrazaq, assured communities of government’s continuous support to resist violent attacks and commended the bravery of the Isin and Irepodun vigilantes who mounted a spirited resistance against the criminals.
While condoling the family of the deceased vigilante, Saheed Adeshina, who lost his life in the encounter with the bandits, Governor Abdulrazaq approved N10m financial support for his family.
“Not only will the government replace the motorcycles lost in the encounter, but it will also double down in its logistics support for the security forces and the local vigilantes across the state,” the statement assured.
Governor Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, however, cautioned that “as we mount this bold resistance in moral courage against criminality, I urge that we do not further undermine our collective well-being, which violent protests may amount to.”
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