Kwara Killings: Declare Security Emergency, OPC Urges South-West Governors
Ilorin — The Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) has called on governors in the South-West region to declare a state of security emergency following the recent wave of killings in parts of Kwara State, warning that insecurity and terrorism are spreading rapidly across the region.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the OPC described the attacks as “barbaric and unacceptable,” saying the growing activities of armed criminals and suspected terrorists pose a serious threat to lives, farmlands and regional stability.
The group urged South-West governors to take urgent and coordinated action beyond routine security meetings, stressing that extraordinary measures are now required to curb the violence.
“The situation in Kwara has reached an alarming level. What we are witnessing is no longer ordinary criminality but organised terror that could overrun the South-West if decisive steps are not taken,” the OPC said.
According to the group, communities in Kwara and neighbouring states have continued to suffer deadly attacks, kidnappings and destruction of property, forcing residents to abandon their homes and livelihoods.
The OPC called for stronger collaboration between state governments, local vigilante groups and federal security agencies, including the military, to secure forests and border communities believed to be hideouts for criminal elements.
It also urged governors to strengthen regional security outfits and improve intelligence gathering to prevent further loss of lives.
The OPC warned that failure to act swiftly could worsen the security situation and undermine economic activities, particularly farming, across the South-West.
Recent killings in parts of Kwara State have heightened public concern, with residents and civil society groups calling on authorities to address the rising insecurity decisively.
