To the Peace-loving People of Kwara South Senatorial District, and Ifelodun Local Government Area in Particular:
At this defining moment in our history, we speak with heavy hearts and with firm conviction. The recent wave of insecurity, banditry, kidnapping, and violent incursions into our forests and farmlands has tested our peace, strained our families, and threatened our livelihoods. We feel the pain of every household that has lost sleep, of every farmer who fears to go to the farm, and of every family waiting anxiously for the safe return of their loved ones.
We, the Concerned Elders and Stakeholders of Kwara South, in consultation with the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo and other Traditional Rulers of Ifelodun LGA do sincerely commiserate with all our people in Babanla, Ganmu Alheri, Shagbe, Ologoma, Oloruntele, Alasoro, Budo-Idowu, Alade, Sani Koro, Alabe,Ajia and other communities too numerous to mention for the recent sad occurrences and salute you for keeping the faith despite the pains.
But let it be known to all – our land shall not succumb to fear.
Guided by our revered royal fathers, especially the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Yahaya Alebiosu, alongside other traditional rulers across Ifelodun and Kwara South, we stand united to assure you that, hope is not lost.
We affirm that all necessary arrangements are ongoing to reclaim our communities. In particular, forest-clearing operations are being expected with urgency to dismantle criminal hideouts, secure our highways, and restore safety to our villages and farmlands. It’s the ultimate!
However we hasten to bring you these assurances:
1. His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has placed the security of Kwara South among his top priorities. His unwavering resolve, backed by operational strategies, will bring lasting relief to our people.
2. The involvement of federal security agencies especially the esteemed office of National Security Adviser and the active contributions of our sons and daughters in national security positions will ensure that our concerns are addressed at the highest levels.
3. Traditional rulers across Kwara South, with Ifelodun at the center, are working hand-in-hand with government and security agencies to drive community-based solutions that will complement the ongoing operations.
It’s a known fact that the forests covering Baba Sango axis to Ndanaku in Edu LGA and West Yagba in Kogi State are the hotspots of the bandits enclave. We must dismantle and dislodge them.
We are aware of the frustration of our youth, the heartbeat of Kwara South, is rising. But we appeal and implore you to channel your energy into vigilance, intelligence-sharing, and community defense rather than protests that may be hijacked by enemies of peace. Let the world see that the youth of Ifelodun and Kwara South are not destroyers of peace; instead they are the defenders of our collective heritage.
* Instead of street protests, let us protest with unity, courage, and discipline.
* Protest by watching over your neighbor’s home as your own.
* Protest by reporting every suspicious movement in our forests and villages.
* Protest by refusing to harbor or shield collaborators of bandits.
This is how we turn pain into power.
We assure our people that their safety is central to every plan being executed. With unity of purpose, we will overcome. Let us remember the eternal words of the Holy Qur’an: *“Do not lose hope, nor be sad. You will surely be victorious if you are true in faith”* (Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:139). And as the Holy Bible assures us in Isaiah 41:10: *“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”*
We therefore call on every son and daughter of Kwara South to stand firm, stay vigilant, and remain united behind our leaders at this critical hour.
Together, we shall see the dawn of peace, the safe return of all abducted victims, and the restoration of normal life across our land. We also mourn the departed in the process.
Lastly, we are hopeful that the Kwara State Government in collaboration with the office of the National Security Adviser will apply same method of military operation including air raid as applicable in other troubled areas, (Baruten/New Bussa inclusive) to clear the forests of Ndanaku, Babanla, Oroago through Idofin -Igbana to Okeloke to Egbe in order to give us peace.
Signed
Elder Olaitan Oyin Zubair
For :Concerned Elders and Stakeholders of Kwara South.
