Tension broke out in Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State on Monday, as angry youths set the Emir’s Palace and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) office on fire in protest of rising kidnappings in their community.
The violent demonstration followed the abduction of a well-known agro-chemical dealer, popularly called Alhaji Chemical, who was kidnapped from his residence around 1:00 a.m. on Sunday.
His disappearance has sparked fresh outrage over what locals describe as the government’s failure to tackle increasing insecurity in the area.
Witnesses said the kidnappers stormed the Taiwo area on motorcycles and opened heavy fire on local vigilantes before whisking the victim away.
The brazen attack reportedly lasted several minutes, further fueling community fears.
“We can’t sleep with our eyes closed anymore. People are being taken almost every week,” a concerned resident said in a viral protest video.
In response, youths blocked major roads, burned tyres, and later stormed key buildings.
The NDLEA office was set ablaze, with four detainees allegedly freed during the chaos. Parts of the Emir’s Palace were also vandalised before police and soldiers arrived to disperse the crowd.
Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, confirmed the incident.
He said, “The protest was led by some miscreants who damaged parts of the Emir’s palace and set the NDLEA office on fire. They also released four suspects from NDLEA custody before fleeing when they saw the Police and Soldiers.”
He further explained that he had visited the scene alongside the Brigade Commander of the 22 Brigade, Sobi, Ilorin, to assess the damage and reinforce security.
Meanwhile, joint forces comprising police, local hunters, soldiers, and vigilantes have intensified search efforts for the kidnapped victim and others believed to be held by the same gang.
Moreover, residents continue to call on government and security agencies to end the growing trend of abductions.
