The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to establish a permanent military base in Kwara South Senatorial District, in response to escalating insecurity and bandit attacks in the region.
The lawmakers specifically proposed that the military base be located near the forest belts of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, citing the urgent need for a rapid-response hub to counter growing threats from armed bandits and kidnappers.
Insecurity in Kwara South Worsens, Senate Takes Action
This resolution followed a motion raised by Senator Lola Ashiru, who highlighted the urgent need to address insecurity in Kwara South due to increasing kidnappings, killings, and displacement of communities.
Senator Ashiru expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in Kwara South, noting that armed bandit attacks in Ifelodun and surrounding LGAs have forced entire communities to flee their homes.
“In the last one month alone, no fewer than 12 forest guards and local vigilante members were ambushed and killed by bandits in Oke-Ode, a hotspot in Kwara South,” Ashiru revealed during the Senate session.
The victims of these violent attacks in Kwara State reportedly included traditional rulers and community leaders from Ogba-Ayo, Babanla, Sagbe, Oro Ago, and Ganmu-Alheri, sparking fears of a complete breakdown of local governance and traditional authority.
Over 140 Kidnapped, 70 Killed in One Year
Senator Ashiru further stated that in the past year, over 142 residents of Kwara South had been kidnapped, while more than 70 individuals were killed in a wave of banditry and rural terrorism, leaving at least 25 communities abandoned and increasing the risk of a humanitarian crisis.
The Senate, in its resolution, urged the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector-General of Police to immediately deploy more troops, special forces, and intelligence units to the region to clear bandit hideouts and restore peace to Kwara South.
