The palace of the Emir of Lafiagi and the local office of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) were set on fire on Monday by angry youths protesting the escalating insecurity and recent kidnappings in the community. The unrest followed the abduction of a prominent agro-chemical dealer, known as Alhaji Chemical, who was kidnapped from his home in the Taiwo area by suspected bandits in a well-coordinated attack.
The protest saw youths blocking roads, burning tyres, and demanding urgent government action to address the surge in kidnappings, which residents say have become alarmingly frequent. Videos circulating online captured residents expressing fear and frustration over the deteriorating security situation.
Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, confirmed the incident, noting that the protest was orchestrated by miscreants who damaged the Emir’s palace and torched the NDLEA office. The attackers also freed four detainees from the NDLEA facility before fleeing upon the arrival of police and military personnel.
Security forces, including police, soldiers, local hunters, and vigilantes, are currently conducting operations in the bush to rescue the kidnapped victims and restore order. This latest incident adds to a string of violent crimes in the state, including recent abductions and killings reported in surrounding areas.
