ABUJA – The Kwara South Youth Congress (KSYC) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Kwara State following the killing of 15 people, including a traditional ruler, in Oke-Ode, Ifelodun Local Government Area, on Sunday.

In an open letter to the President, the group described the security situation in Kwara South as “dire,” warning that several communities have been forced to relocate due to repeated attacks by armed groups.

The statement, signed by KSYC President, Dr. Oluwatobi Afolayan, and Public Relations Officer, Mr. Bashir Adejare, noted that over 200 people have been kidnapped in the region since January, with Ifelodun Local Government Area being the worst affected.

“Communities such as Babanla, Oreke, and Ganmu Aliheri have come under repeated attacks, forcing residents to abandon their homes,” the group said.

It added that the latest attack in Oke-Ode underscored the need for urgent federal intervention.

“On September 28, 2025, 15 people, including a Baale, were killed while several others were kidnapped by gunmen. Local vigilantes who attempted to defend the town were gunned down following the withdrawal of military support,” the letter stated.

The KSYC linked the surge in violence to the infiltration of armed groups into Kwara through northern entry points earlier this year and warned that unchecked attacks could lead to mass displacement.

To stem the crisis, the group recommended four measures:

deployment of a dedicated security force to combat kidnapping and banditry,

sensitisation of rural communities on security awareness,

relocation of military bases to affected areas, and

signing of death warrants for convicted violent offenders.

“We believe that with timely intervention, Kwara South can be stabilised and lives secured,” the KSYC stressed.