By Muhammad Bashir Shuaib

Lafiagi, Kwara State, In a shocking display of audacity, a series of kidnappings and attacks rocked the tranquil town of Lafiagi in the early hours of June 29 and June 30, leaving residents in a state of panic and authorities under pressure to act.

At the centre of the maelstrom is the kidnapping of Alhaji Gaskiya Chemical, a prominent chemical dealer and respected member of the community. Eyewitnesses report that the abduction occurred at Alhaji Gaskiya’s residence, where vigilante men tasked with his security were overpowered by a group of well-armed gunmen.

The kidnappers, who arrived at the scene in large numbers, reportedly took Alhaji Gaskiya away without any resistance from the security personnel on the ground. This brazen attack has raised questions about the effectiveness of the security measures in place to protect the town’s residents.

The attacks didn’t stop there. A POS operator identified as Y Man was abducted at around 10 pm on June 29. His mother, who tried to intervene, was brutally beaten by the kidnappers, leaving her with serious injuries.

In another incident, a POS operator named Usman narrowly escaped abduction by hiding under his roof. However, his two children were taken by the kidnappers, leaving the family in a state of distress.

The attacks continued into the early hours of June 30, with a community called Kokodo in Lafiagi Emirate being targeted at around 1 am. Two Hausa businessmen were kidnapped, and one woman was beaten during the attack.

The situation took a turn for the worse as angry youths, frustrated by the insecurity in the area, invaded the palace, demanding action from the authorities. In a separate incident, the NDLEA office was set ablaze, further escalating tensions in the community.

The wave of kidnappings and violent protests has left residents living in fear of further attacks. Many are questioning the ability of the security agencies to protect them, and some are calling for increased security measures to safeguard their lives and property.

The wave of kidnappings has sent shockwaves through the community, with residents living in fear of further attacks. Many are questioning the ability of the security agencies to protect them, and some are calling for increased security measures to safeguard their lives and property.

In an interview with a resident of the affected area, in fear, he said: “We are living in fear, and we don’t know what the future holds,” said a resident of Lafiagi, who wished to remain anonymous. “We need the authorities to take concrete steps to protect us and bring these kidnappers to justice.”

“As the situation in Lafiagi continues to unfold, one thing is certain: the town is in dire need of help and support. The authorities must act swiftly to restore peace and security to the community and ensure that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes are brought to justice.” He concluded.