Batombu Unity and Development Initiative, Abuja (BUDIA) has expressed grave concern over the worsening insecurity caused by escalating terrorism in Baruten and Kaiama LGAs of Kwara State.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement signed by Barr. Nasir Abubakar Othman, its
President, the nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for the welfare and development of the Batombu people, noted that the insecurity in those areas poses a critical threat to lives and properties.
The group lamented that increasing incidents of terrorism and banditry have led to widespread killings, destruction of property, and mass displacement of residents, particularly in communities near Kainji Lake National Park.
It said, “In recent months, communities in Baruten and Kaiama Local Government Areas, located near Kainji Lake National Park, have endured a surge in violent killings These blood birth has led to tragic loss of lives, widespread destruction of properties and a growing climate of fear and cessation of farming and economic activities. The violence has displaced and disrupted numerous families, local businesses and agricultural activities, as well as severely destabilized and displaced the affected areas.”
“The towns of Chikanda, Yashikira, Kuburufu and Gure are now overwhelmed by the influx of internally displaced persons (IDPs), the majority of whom are women, children, and elderly individuals. This critical situation calls for immediate intervention from the government and security agencies to restore order and protect vulnerable populations in these communities.”
BUDIA commended the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, along with senior military officials and representatives of security agencies, for visiting Kaiama as part of their ongoing assessment efforts.
However, it strongly urged the government to extend similar assessment visits to the troubled areas of Baruten Local Government Area to address the urgent needs of affected communities and adopt a comprehensive strategy to resolve this crisis.
The group also called on all residents of Baruten and Kaiama to remain law abiding and vigilant, promptly reporting any suspicious activities or unfamiliar movements of strangers to security agencies stationed within their communities and to traditional rulers.
The group reaffirmed its solidarity with the people of Baruten and Kaiama, urging urgent military intervention to halt the violence and restore stability.
