- Safiu Kehinde
A group of angry youths in Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, has on Monday set ablaze an office of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) while vandalising the Emir’s palace in protest over surge in kidnapping and killings across the community.
The Lafiagi community and surrounding areas have in recent weeks witnessed series of abductions with several residents still being held captive by kidnappers despite families reportedly paying large sums in ransom to secure their release.
Another abduction of three Fulani women in the area on Sunday appeared to have triggered the violent protest today.
As captured in a now viral video on social media, the youths had in stormed the NDLEA office setting it ablaze.
They also stormed the Emir’s Palace, vandalising the building in agitation for a end the bloodshed and abductions that have disrupted life in the area.
“We have been crying and dying in silence,” one of the protesters lamented in the video.
“People are kidnapped every week. We cannot sleep with both eyes closed anymore. Yet, the governor, the chairman, even the Emir — nobody is doing anything.” the protester continued.
According to report, community sources said the protest was the result of months of pent-up anger over repeated attacks and the authorities’ failure to respond effectively.
“The youths have reached their breaking point. The attacks keep increasing, and the government has done nothing concrete,” a local source said.