Saraki: Kwara in precarious state… spate of insecurity unprecedented

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki says Kwara is in a “precarious state, overrun by bandits, kidnappers, and killers who have waged a ceaseless and careless onslaught on the people.”

The former Kwara governor spoke on Saturday at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) state congress held at Arca Santa Arena in Ilorin, the capital city.

He said the theme of the congress, “Returning Kwara to a Secure State”, reflects the importance the PDP attaches to the safety of lives and property.

Saraki also congratulated party members who became new officers at the ward, local government, and state levels, describing the exercise as “a family affair conducted in peace.”

The former governor said Kwara has never witnessed insecurity on the scale recorded under the present administration, with the state reportedly under siege from bandits and kidnappers, while the government has failed to take action.

“Today, Kwara state is in a precarious state. Our state is being overrun by bandits, kidnappers, and killers who have waged a ceaseless, needless, and careless onslaught on our people,” Saraki said.

“In the last 12 months, about 70 people have reportedly been killed in Kwara north and south, while about 50 people sustained injuries.

“Within the same period, about 42 people have been kidnapped and over 25 communities sacked.”

He said residents in both northern and southern senatorial districts are now fleeing to Ilorin to avoid attacks.

‘IT’S UNPRECEDENTED’

Saraki accused the state government of violating section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 constitution, which makes the security and welfare of citizens the primary purpose of government.

He criticised the administration for “living in denial and attempting to suppress facts” while blaming the opposition for raising an alarm.

“No responsible citizen or party will play politics with the danger to the lives and livelihood of people,” he said.

“The spate of killings, kidnappings, and the collapse of the security system in Kwara state is unprecedented. We never witnessed anything of this sort since the creation of the state.

“Either during the military era, during the tenure of my predecessors, in my time as governor, or during the period of my immediate successor as elected governor, has this type of terrible occurrence ever happened in Kwara state?”

Saraki said the situation never occurred under past governors, including Adamu Atta, Cornelius Adebayo, Shaba Lafiagi, Lawal, himself, and Abdulfatai Ahmed.

He compared Kwara to neighbouring states like Niger, Oyo, Ekiti, Osun, and Kogi where, he said, insecurity has reduced through better coordination.

“This is just a reflection of the clueless and lackadaisical government we have in Kwara state,” he added.

Saraki urged the new PDP executives to mobilise residents in preparation for the 2027 elections.

He said the primaries should be conducted peacefully, adding that party unity was more important than personal ambition.

He also invited former PDP members who left the party to return, saying rebuilding Kwara was “bigger than individual interests.”

“Our ultimate line of action is to work hard in our various constituencies and ensure our people do not repeat the mistake they made with the current group of people in government,” he said.

“Once again, congratulations to all PDP members for these successful congresses. As of today, it is clear to all that PDP is the clear alternative.

“In Kwara state, the clear choice of our people for making life secure, better, and fulfilling is the PDP.”