Youths Protest Escalating Insecurity in Kwara, Set NDLEA Office, Emir’s Palace Ablaze

Youths in Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, staged a massive protest on Monday, decrying the worsening insecurity plaguing their communities. The demonstration turned violent as the office of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) was set on fire, and the palace of the Emir of Lafiagi was vandalized by irate protesters.

The demonstrators, carrying placards and chanting protest songs, accused the government and local authorities of neglecting their duty to protect lives and property. They cited repeated kidnappings, killings, and terrorist attacks that have left residents living in fear.

“We have been crying and dying in silence,” one protester said in a widely circulated video clip. “People are being kidnapped every week. We don’t sleep with both eyes closed anymore.”

The situation reportedly escalated as protesters targeted key public structures. Witnesses confirmed that windows were smashed and parts of the Emir’s palace were damaged, while the NDLEA building was completely engulfed in flames.

Local sources said the protest was the result of accumulated frustration over the government’s failure to respond to the frequent abductions and violent attacks in the area. In recent weeks, multiple residents have been kidnapped, with some families paying huge ransoms for their release.

As of press time, there has been no official response from the Kwara State Government or security agencies regarding the incident. Tensions remain high in the area.