Babanla indigenes appeal for help over insecurity in Ifelodun area
Natives of Babanla, one of the most affected communities in Kwara State, have called on the government to intervene over the worsening insecurity situation in their area.
They said security concerns have disrupted their livelihoods, forced displacements, and crippled economic activities in their locality.
Victims who spoke with Daily Trust described the situation as unbearable and called on both state and federal authorities to take decisive action.
A community leader in Babanla in the Ifelodun local government area, Prince Yusuf Jimoh, said catering for over 33 displaced persons who relocated to his home following the bandit attacks has become extremely difficult.
READ ALSO: Afenifere urges presidency to act decisively against “festival of killings” in Kwara
“I operate a block industry and live in a four-bedroom apartment. Imagine the condition we are passing through,” he said. “While I plead with the government to dislodge the bandits from their hideouts, we also appeal for support and assistance to the victims to enable them to rebuild their lives. Everything is at a standstill and feeding has become so hard that some now beg for food. Some victims are staying in mosques. We are presently 33 people living in this modest apartment,” he said.
He urged the federal government to act swiftly to prevent residents from losing their ancestral lands.
Another resident, Taibat Jimoh, a trader, said the situation has forced many to abandon their homes and farmlands.
“We have lost our sources of livelihood and now depend on others in Ilorin to survive. There is no clear sign of when this will end. We cannot go to our farms or anywhere else, and that is why we are begging the government to come to our aid,” she said.
For 19-year-old mother of one, Hamzat Waliya, the plea is simple: “I want the government to help us dislodge the bandits. Once that is achieved, we are ready to go back to our community to continue our lives.”
Also speaking, Alao Mohammad, a resident of Igbaja, said the situation has affected educational institutions in the area.
“Some university campuses here have relocated their students to Ilorin. I am now appealing to friends, associates, and relatives to help me raise money to move my wife, children, and other family members to Ilorin. I will remain here for now to monitor the situation because this is where I work,” he said.
The state government, in collaboration with troops, has stepped up its onslaught against the bandits after the attacks on Babanla and Oke-Ode communities, which resulted in scores of deaths.