Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has called for calm in Kwara State after a series of violent attacks unsettled residents and sparked nationwide concern.
Naijaonpoint reports that the concern grew sharply on Tuesday when a video circulated online showing the aftermath of an attack on a church.
According to eyewitness accounts, three people lost their lives in the incident, while the pastor and several worshippers were kidnapped by armed men.
The shock from the footage was still spreading when news emerged of another assault along the Ilorin to Kabba route, where heavily armed attackers ambushed travellers in what has become a worrying pattern of violence.
These incidents also came just days after United States President Donald Trump suggested his country could deploy troops over what he described as widespread killings of Christians in Nigeria. His comments added more heat to an already tense situation.
Taiwo Awoniyi, who grew up in Kwara and maintains close ties to the state through his foundation, turned to Instagram on Wednesday to appeal for unity and calm. He reminded residents of the identity the state has held for decades.
“The State of Harmony is one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria, reflecting the peaceful coexistence among one another with different religions and beliefs. Peace shall reign,” Awoniyi wrote.
“Kwara State stands for peace, and that’s what we stand for.”
Violent attacks that were once confined largely to the country’s northern region have crept into other states, including territories long known for calm and religious tolerance.
Although the attackers are often labelled as bandits, security analysts argue that the scale and coordination of the assaults resemble organised terrorism. Communities have repeatedly questioned the response of authorities, citing delays and inconsistencies that leave them exposed to more attacks.
The latest violence has hit Kwara particularly hard because of its long reputation as a peaceful state. Residents are urging government agencies to act quickly and with greater precision to prevent more tragedies.
Responding to the situation, President Bola Tinubu approved the deployment of additional security personnel to Eruku and to other parts of the Ekiti Local Government Area. He has also directed the police to pursue those responsible for the attack on worshippers.
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