Normalcy Restored In Lafiaji As Kwara Security Chiefs Condemn Burning Of NDLEA Office
A high-powered delegation comprising government officials and security chiefs visited Lafiagi on Monday following early morning tensions that culminated in an attack on NDLEA office in the town and a foiled attempt to torch the Emir’s palace.
‘The tension in Lafiagi was related to different community issues, including security operations targeting hard drug dealers’ a statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com submitted on Monday.
Members of the delegation include the state Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi, Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi, Ilorin, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, and Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq’ s Senior Special Assistant on Security Matters, Alhaji Muhyideen Aliu .
They were received by the chairman of Edu local government, Mr Abdullahi Bello; the Development Officer, Edu local government, Alhaji Haruna Likpata; Commissioner for Youth Development, Shehu Ndanusa Usman; and Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission, Mr Bello Taoheed Abubakar.
‘The protest in the morning was related to recent arrests of suspected drug dealers. The protesters took advantage of the anxiety around recent security breaches to launch an attack on the NDLEA office, where they burnt three vehicles and motorcycles, released three suspects, and carted away substances seized from the dealers. They also attempted to attack the Emir’s Palace because, according to them, he did not stop the NDLEA from arresting the suspected drug dealers and smokers.
This is sheer criminality, and we condemn it totally. The soldiers and other security forces have been able to restore calm in Lafiagi town. We also visited the palace, where we addressed everyone on the need to maintain peace and order.
They thanked His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for the quick intervention. Normalcy has been restored, and further security deployments have been made by the police and the army.
It is important to state that no life was lost in the Monday morning incident. We caution people against taking laws into their own hands’ Alhaji Aliu submitted.
In separate statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com on Monday, spokesperson for Kwara State Police Command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, a Superintendent of Police, noted that CP Adekimi Ojo has strongly condemned the attacks and acts of vandalism submitting that no grievance can justify vandalization of public property.
’While we acknowledge recent security incidents, today’s violent protest and the attack on the NDLEA office represent a dangerous trend that must be swiftly addressed. No grievance justifies burning public assets or obstructing justice. We are deploying all tactical and intelligence resources to restore normalcy and apprehend all those involved’ the statement quoted him as saying.
He further urged the Emirate Council and the local government to increase efforts in respect of youth engagement, strengthen community policing structures, and promote the message of choosing dialogue instead of violence.
The CP also commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for providing critical logistics vehicles and motorcycles—to enhance field operations in rural and vulnerable communities.
’The Kwara State Police Command assures residents of Lafiagi and the entire state that it remains fully committed to protecting lives and property. Citizens are advised to avoid any form of mob action, remain law-abiding, and support security efforts’ the statement added-Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08035023079, 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com. Thank you
