Kaiama protest: Kwarans no longer trust AbdulRazaq on security, PDP alleges

The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said Friday’s protest by residents of Kaiama, Woro and neighbouring communities is a clear indication that many Kwarans have lost confidence in Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s handling of the state’s worsening security situation.

The opposition party, in a statement issued on Friday by its State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, described the peaceful protest as a vote of no confidence in the governor’s leadership, particularly over the continued captivity of 179 residents of Woro who were reportedly abducted by bandits in February.

According to the PDP, the decision of the protesters to direct their appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu instead of the Kwara State Government shows they no longer believe the governor has the capacity or willingness to address the security challenges confronting their communities.

The party alleged that Governor AbdulRazaq’s silence and absence from the state have created a leadership vacuum at a time when affected communities require visible leadership and reassurance.

It argued that while President Tinubu has continued efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture through increased funding, deployment of security personnel and other interventions, such efforts require proactive governors to coordinate local security responses, engage security agencies and support affected communities.

The PDP questioned what specific measures the state government has taken since the abduction of the victims, asking how many times the governor had met with their families, what rescue strategy had been implemented and what support had been provided to those affected.

According to the party, the continued captivity of the victims, coupled with what it described as the government’s lack of visible intervention, has deepened public frustration and eroded confidence in the administration.

The opposition further urged Governor AbdulRazaq to take ownership of the state’s security challenges by working closely with security agencies, engaging affected communities and ensuring every available resource is deployed towards securing the release of those still in captivity.

The statement was signed by the PDP State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara.