A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara South, Comrade Abdul-Rahoof Bello-Labelabe, has faulted federal lawmakers representing the zone, accusing them of failing to support the state government in tackling the escalating insecurity in Igbomina land.
Naijaonpoint reports that Labelabe, a retired Political Science lecturer and vocal advocate of Igbomina liberty and Northern Yoruba nationality, made the remarks on a Channels Television breakfast programme monitored in Abuja on Friday.
The APC stalwart described as “too little, too late” the recent resolution passed by the Senate on the security crisis in Kwara South.
“For the past three months, bandits have been terrorising communities. People were killed, homes deserted, and farmers chased from their lands, yet we did not see our Senators or Members of the House of Representatives. They didn’t even visit the affected areas. Now they are passing a resolution. It is like shutting the door when the horse has already bolted,” Labelabe fumed.
He accused elected representatives of abandoning their constituents in their time of need, noting that the people of Igbomina land felt neglected by those they voted into office.
While criticising lawmakers, Labelabe commended the Kwara State Government for taking proactive steps to address the crisis.
According to him, the state had engaged the National Security Adviser (NSA) and mobilised troops from the Second Mechanised Brigade in Ibadan to flashpoints in Oke-Ode, Babanla, Oreke and other vulnerable communities in Kwara South.
On the way forward, Labelabe demanded a fundamental restructuring of Nigeria’s security architecture, accusing the military of undermining the authority of the NSA “because he is a police officer.”
“The President, as Commander-in-Chief, must look critically at this problem. The state governments must also be empowered to establish their own police or community policing, while local governments should enjoy full autonomy to manage grassroots security,” he stressed.
He further suggested that traditional rulers should be held accountable for breaches in their domains, alleging that some were acting as collaborators with bandits.
The APC chieftain urged state governments to deploy CCTV surveillance systems in vulnerable communities, strengthen vigilance groups, and provide security personnel with superior weapons to match the firepower of bandits.
He also recommended regional collaboration, calling on Kwara to partner with the Southwest Security Network (Amotekun).
“The Southwest seems to be the only safe zone now. Why can’t we collaborate with them? If Sunday Igboho and Gani Adams of OPC can help us fight insecurity, why not?” he asked.
When asked whether politicians share some responsibility for the security crisis, Labelabe did not mince words.
“I think it is yes,” he replied bluntly.
The APC chieftain’s comments come amid rising concerns over bandit attacks in Kwara South, which have displaced residents, disrupted farming activities, and heightened calls for stronger local and regional security responses.
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