The Senator representing Kwara North Senatorial District, Sadiq Suleiman Umar, during plenary session today, Wednesday, June 3, 2026, moved a motion on the urgent need for Federal Government intervention to address the recurring insecurity ravaging communities across Kwara North Senatorial District.
Presenting the motion before the Senate, Senator Sadiq noted that security remains the primary responsibility of government as guaranteed under Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
The lawmaker lamented that Kwara North Senatorial District has in recent months witnessed an alarming escalation of insecurity characterized by killings, kidnappings, destruction of property, and attacks on innocent citizens across several communities.
He further recalled that several months after the unfortunate Woro massacre, many women and children abducted during the attack remain in captivity, while their families continue to suffer untold hardship and psychological trauma.
Senator Sadiq also drew the attention of the Senate to the recent attack on the palace of the Emir of Yashikira on the eve of the Sallah celebrations, where armed criminals reportedly set the palace ablaze and abducted several members of the Emir’s family, including some of his wives and children. He described the incident as a direct assault on traditional institutions and communal peace.
The Senator further informed the Senate that communities within Patigi Local Government Area have continued to experience intermittent attacks and kidnappings, creating fear and uncertainty among residents. He equally noted that several villages within Edu Local Government Area have come under sustained attacks, with criminal elements recently invading Lafiagi Township, killing and abducting residents in what he described as a disturbing demonstration of the growing boldness and operational capacity of the criminal groups.
According to Senator Sadiq, the vast and difficult terrain around the Kainji Lake National Park, forest reserves, and adjoining ungoverned spaces have continued to serve as safe havens and operational bases for criminal elements carrying out attacks within Kwara North and neighbouring states.
While commending the efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, security agencies, local vigilantes, and community stakeholders, the Senator stressed that the persistent nature of the attacks clearly indicates the need for enhanced security presence and coordinated operations in the affected areas.
He also expressed concern over the poor state of road infrastructure across many parts of Kwara North, noting that it has continued to hamper rapid security response, limit economic activities, and provide operational advantages to criminal elements.
Senator Sadiq observed that the continued insecurity has resulted in loss of lives, displacement of families, disruption of farming and commercial activities, and worsening humanitarian conditions for affected communities. He warned that failure to decisively address the activities of criminal elements operating within the Kainji Lake forest axis and other hideouts may further embolden them and deepen the security crisis in the region.
Consequently, the Senate resolved to:
i. Urge the Federal Government to strengthen security architecture in Kwara North Senatorial District through the establishment of additional military bases, deployment of more security personnel and equipment, and intensification of joint military and security operations aimed at rooting out criminal elements from the Kainji Lake forest axis and other identified hideouts;
ii. Urge the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, and other relevant security agencies to intensify efforts toward the rescue and safe return of all kidnapped victims still in captivity across Kwara North Senatorial District;
iii. Urge the Federal Government to undertake deliberate intervention in the rehabilitation, reconstruction, and expansion of critical road infrastructure within Kwara North Senatorial District in order to enhance security operations, improve accessibility, and stimulate socio-economic development;
iv. Call on the Federal Government through relevant agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to provide immediate humanitarian relief, rehabilitation, and support to affected families and communities;
v. Mandate the Senate Committees on National Security and Intelligence, Army, Air Force, Police Affairs, Works, and Special Duties to engage relevant stakeholders and report back to the Senate within four weeks on measures being taken to address the situation; and
vi. Observe a minute silence in honour of all citizens who lost their lives in the various attacks across Kwara North Senatorial District and extend the condolences of the Senate to their families and affected communities.
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