THE Nigerian Senate has urged the Federal Government to establish a permanent military base in Kwara South Senatorial District to curb worsening insecurity in the area.
Lawmakers recommended that the base be situated near the forest belts of Ifelodun Local Government Area to serve as a rapid-response hub against growing attacks, kidnappings, and killings.
The call followed a motion by Senator Lola Ashiru, who raised concerns over the surge in violent crimes across the region.
He revealed that in the past month alone, at least 12 forest guards and local vigilantes were ambushed and killed by armed bandits in Oke-Ode.
Among the victims were traditional rulers and community leaders from Ogba-Ayo, Babanla, Sagbe, Oro Ago, and Ganmu-Alheri.
According to Ashiru, over 142 people were kidnapped and more than 70 killed in the past year, forcing at least 25 communities to flee their homes, creating humanitarian and social challenges.
In response, the Senate called on the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector-General of Police to deploy additional troops and special forces to clear criminal elements from the forests and restore peace.
The move comes amid recent attacks in Kwara, including the killing of five people in Babanla community in August and the abduction of a police officer in Patigi earlier this month.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity, vowing that the state will not serve as a safe haven for criminals.
“We will fight insecurity with every resource at our disposal,” he said after a recent security council meeting.