The people of Isanlu Isin in Kwara State have raised alarm over persistent attacks by armed bandits, accusing government authorities of neglect, while Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has commended the bravery of local vigilantes and announced measures to strengthen security in the area.
In a statement issued on behalf of residents, the Isanlu Isin Development Association detailed how the community has endured more than two months of violent raids, kidnappings, and killings.
The group said that despite repeated reports to the local government and the state, no tangible action had been taken to protect lives and property.
The association described how bandits displaced Fulani settlements around the community, abducted residents, and collected ransom payments running into millions of naira. It said many abductees remain missing while displaced settlers now occupy uncompleted buildings in the town.
The crisis escalated last week when intelligence reports suggested plans for another invasion. According to the community, local vigilantes mobilised to confront the threat but were ambushed. The clash left two vigilantes dead, six missing, and more than 27 motorcycles destroyed.
“Our vigilantes, who were the only shield between us and bloodthirsty criminals, are now demoralised, stripped of mobility, and unable to respond to distress calls,” the statement read. In protest, residents blocked the Ilorin–Lokoja road to draw attention to their plight. The association appealed to federal and state authorities to conduct search-and-rescue operations, replace destroyed equipment, and clear surrounding forests of bandits.
Responding to the situation, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Saturday commended the resistance put up by vigilantes from Isin and Irepodun Local Government Areas, which he said led to the “neutralisation of many armed criminals” in an encounter at Eleyin community.
“In addition to our support for the security agencies, I assure our communities of continuous support to resist violent attacks,” the governor said. He also sent condolences to the family of Mr. Saheed Adeshina, a vigilante who died from injuries sustained in the encounter, approving N10 million in financial support for his family.
AbdulRazaq pledged to replace the motorcycles lost in the attack and increase logistics support for both security forces and local vigilantes. He urged residents to remain calm and avoid violent protests, stressing that the Nigerian Army had extended Operation Fansan Yamma to Kwara to bolster internal security operations.
“As we mount this bold resistance in moral courage against criminality, I urge that we strike the right balance so that we do not further undermine our collective wellbeing, which violent protests may amount to,” he said.
The governor’s office added that collaboration between security forces and local vigilantes would be deepened to restore peace and stability in Isanlu Isin and the surrounding communities.
