BANDIT ATTACKS: Top Kwara farmer laments inaction of federal representatives
The Nigerian and Kwara State governments have been urged to urgently intervene in the spate of bandit operations in the state to protect human lives and safeguard the region’s already fragile economy.
Ibrahim Toyeeb, a prominent Kwara-based farmer and the Chief Executive Officer of Versa Farms, which is considered as one of Nigeria’s largest tomato farms, strongly condemned the recent deadly attacks across Kwara State.
Toyeeb, whose company is one of the largest employers of labour in one of the affected area, conveyed deep distress over the killings and displacement of residents.
He warned that without immediate and decisive action, Kwara South risks turning into an economic dead zone, a situation that would drive away investors and completely undermine the livelihoods of thousands of people.
His statement follows a series of coordinated attacks on communities in Kwara South and neighbouring areas, notably Oke Ode in the Ifelodun Local Government Area. These attacks have tragically left scores of people dead, several injured, and a number abducted by the criminals.
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While expressing condolences to the families of the victims, Toyeeb voiced his frustration at what he described as the continued silence and inadequate action from two specific federal representatives: Senator Oyelola Ashiru, who represents Kwara South in the Senate, and Honourable Raheem Tunji Olawuyi, who serves as the chairman of the House Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness.
He urged both men to show leadership by spearheading a coordinated response to protect lives, restore investor confidence, and save the region from economic collapse.
He stressed that the “not very good” representation and poor performance of elected officers from the area have contributed to the crisis, as their failure to advocate for their people in Abuja consistently has limited the Federal Government’s impact in Kwara South.
“I mourn every life taken. I mourn every family uprooted. I mourn every field left untended. My people sleep in fear. Silence from those elected to protect us is not neutrality, it is, to us, abandonment. We call on Senator Ashiru and Honourable Olawuyi to show leadership, to convene security partners, and to secure our communities now. Why has this situation not been mentioned boldly on the floor of the National Assembly? Representation without advocacy is no representation at all”.
Toyeeb emphasised that this appeal is not partisan and not intended to inflame tensions. Rather, it is a practical call for a sequence of immediate actions to arrest the crisis
