Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Residents in several communities across Kwara State have taken to the streets in protest, demanding urgent intervention from the state government over deteriorating road conditions and escalating bandit attacks that have left many communities living in fear. The demonstrations reflect growing frustration among local populations who say poor infrastructure and insecurity have combined to create dangerous conditions across parts of the state.
Protesters reportedly blocked major roads and gathered in public spaces carrying placards and chanting slogans while calling on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to repair critical road networks and strengthen security measures. Many residents said the protests were triggered by repeated attacks on rural communities as well as the continued neglect of roads linking vulnerable settlements to major towns.
Community members explained that many of the roads in affected areas have become nearly impassable due to years of deterioration. According to residents, these poor road conditions make it extremely difficult for security agencies to respond quickly when attacks occur. They argue that armed bandits frequently exploit the bad roads to access remote villages, carry out attacks and escape before security forces can intervene.
Local leaders who participated in the protest said the problem is particularly severe in rural parts of Kwara North and Kwara South, where communities are surrounded by forests and sparsely populated terrain. These forests, combined with limited infrastructure, have created ideal conditions for armed groups to establish hideouts and launch attacks on nearby villages.
The protests are taking place against the backdrop of a worsening security situation in Kwara State over the past few years. Although the state was once considered one of the more peaceful parts of Nigeria’s North-Central region, recent developments suggest that criminal groups have increasingly moved into the area.
Data compiled by security researchers and civil society groups shows that more than 200 people were killed and at least 170 others abducted in violent incidents across Kwara between January and early November 2025. The worst-affected areas include Ifelodun, Patigi, Edu, Ekiti, Isin, Kaiama and Irepodun local government areas, where armed groups have carried out repeated attacks on villages and highways.
Many of the communities in these local government areas are located near forest corridors that connect Kwara with neighbouring states such as Niger and Kogi. Security analysts say these forest routes have become transit points for armed gangs moving across the region.
Residents who joined the protests said the lack of accessible roads has significantly worsened the situation. They noted that security patrols are often delayed because vehicles cannot easily reach affected communities, especially during emergencies.
Some protesters also pointed to specific roads they believe require urgent reconstruction. Among them are rural routes linking farming settlements and major highways used by traders and transporters. Locals say these roads have deteriorated into narrow dirt paths riddled with potholes and erosion damage.
The infrastructure problem has had serious economic consequences as well. Farmers in several parts of the state say they can no longer safely travel to their farmlands due to the risk of ambush or kidnapping by armed groups. As a result, agricultural production in some communities has declined significantly.
In recent months, insecurity has also disrupted education in parts of the state. Authorities were forced to close schools in four local government areas following heightened security threats and fears of attacks on students and teachers. The affected areas included Isin, Irepodun, Ifelodun and Ekiti local government areas, where bandit activity had intensified.
Residents say these closures illustrate the seriousness of the crisis, with entire communities forced to suspend normal activities because of fear.
The situation worsened further earlier in 2026 when one of the deadliest attacks in the state’s recent history occurred in rural communities. In February, hundreds of armed militants attacked the villages of Woro and Nuku in Kaiama Local Government Area, killing more than 160 people in a brutal assault that lasted several hours. The attackers reportedly moved from house to house shooting residents and burning buildings after the communities rejected their demands.
The massacre shocked residents and triggered nationwide concern about the spread of extremist and bandit groups beyond their traditional strongholds in northeastern Nigeria.
Following the attack, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu ordered the deployment of additional troops to the state and announced a military operation aimed at protecting vulnerable villages and preventing further incursions by armed groups.
Despite the deployment of security forces, many residents say the underlying challenges remain unresolved. They argue that without major improvements in infrastructure and surveillance, criminal groups will continue to exploit remote communities.
During the protests, community leaders stressed that their demonstration was peaceful and intended to draw the attention of authorities to the urgent needs of the population. They said residents were simply demanding basic governance responsibilities such as road maintenance, security patrols and protection of lives and property.
Several civil society groups have also raised concerns about the security situation in the state, warning that if urgent measures are not taken, the crisis could worsen and lead to further displacement of rural populations.
Security analysts believe the expansion of banditry into Kwara reflects a broader regional trend in which armed groups move through forest belts that stretch across several Nigerian states. These forest corridors often lack strong government presence, allowing criminals to operate with relative freedom.
For residents of the affected communities, however, the issue remains immediate and deeply personal. Many protesters said their villages have experienced repeated attacks and kidnappings, leaving families traumatized and economic activities severely disrupted.
The demonstrations highlight the growing frustration among citizens who feel trapped between deteriorating infrastructure and rising insecurity. Protesters say they will continue to demand action from authorities until roads are repaired, security presence is strengthened and communities across Kwara State can once again live without fear.
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