A body known as Igbomina Professional Association has raised alarm over worsening insecurity in Kwara South, warning that the growing attacks on communities, families, and villages in Igbomina land threaten peace, livelihoods, and daily life across the region.
In a statement on Tuesday, the President of the Association, Bode Iranloye, commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the chairmen of the Igbomina Local Government Areas—Ifelodun, Irepodun, Isin, and Ekiti as well as security agencies for the steps they have taken so far to address insecurity in the region.
He, however, pointed out that despite these efforts, insecurity remains a persistent challenge, stressing the need for stronger, well-coordinated, and sustainable community-driven measures. According to him, the recurring wave of attacks continues to threaten peace, agriculture, trade, and the social fabric of communities across Igbomina land.
The Association further maintained that security agencies alone cannot resolve the crisis, emphasising that citizens and security experts must work hand in hand to confront the menace. It added that inclusive collaboration is key to finding lasting solutions to the insecurity facing Kwara South.
The Punch reported that among the measures recommended, the Association called for the strengthening of community security structures by integrating vigilante groups and hunters with the Nigerian Police under proper regulation and empowering traditional rulers to play a more active role in intelligence gathering.
It also “urged economic empowerment and job creation through skill acquisition centres, agricultural support schemes, and digital training hubs to reduce youth unemployment and poverty-driven crime.”
The Association further highlighted the need for education, enlightenment, and value reorientation, advocating for a revival of Omoluabi values of discipline and integrity through moral and religious education, coupled with sustained public sensitisation campaigns against crime.
On technology and intelligence, Iranloye recommended deploying drones, emergency hotlines, and community alert apps for early warning systems, while enhancing data collection on residents and visitors at the local government level.
The Association also called for “stronger collaboration among security agencies, including the Police, NSCDC, DSS, Amotekun, and the Military, with particular attention to border communities adjoining Kogi, Ekiti, and Osun States.”
The statement highlighted the need for political will and good governance, stressing the importance of the sincerity of leadership, equitable enforcement of the law, and improved welfare for security personnel. Dialogue and conflict resolution mechanisms were also urged, including sustaining farmer-herder peace platforms, convening regular youth town halls, and holding periodic security reviews at the local government level.
Additionally, the Association emphasised the crucial roles of citizens and the media, encouraging community vigilance through the “see something, say something” approach, responsible parenting, and proactive media engagement to inform the public and counter misinformation.
“The Association further urges the government and relevant agencies to identify displaced persons and provide relief materials to complement the support already offered by host communities,” the statement read. It also stressed the urgent need for a permanent Army base in the affected area.
Iranloye stressed that achieving lasting peace in Igbomina land will depend on the shared responsibility of government, traditional rulers, religious leaders, citizens, and the media, while also tackling unemployment, poverty, and declining moral values to secure a stable future for Kwara South and Nigeria.
