The Third Estate Ilorin Emirate has raised serious concern over the growing wave of insecurity in parts of Kwara State, particularly in Kwara North and South Senatorial Districts, calling for urgent action, communal prayers, and vigilance to stem the tide.
In a statement jointly signed by its President, Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir, and the Public Relations Officer, Nasir Abdulquadri, the group expressed alarm at the increasing incidents of banditry, kidnapping, and killings in areas such as Patigi and Oke-Ode, warning that the situation could deteriorate further if not promptly addressed.
While commending the Kwara State Government and security agencies for their ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property, the Third Estate urged greater coordination, intelligence sharing, and rural policing to prevent the spread of criminal activities to central parts of the state, including Ilorin Emirate.
“Although the Ilorin Emirate remains relatively calm, the disturbing trend in neighbouring regions is a warning sign that calls for immediate and united action before the menace spreads closer to home,” the statement read.
Although the Ilorin Emirate remains relatively calm, the disturbing trend in neighbouring regions is a warning sign that calls for immediate and united action before the menace spreads closer to home
The group also called on traditional institutions, local vigilante groups, and community leaders to strengthen early-warning mechanisms and engage more actively in preventive security measures.
Beyond physical security, the Third Estate emphasized the need for spiritual intervention, urging all indigenes and residents of Kwara to return to the time-honoured tradition of communal prayers and moral vigilance.
“In times past, our forefathers turned to collective supplication whenever our land was confronted with danger, and through faith and unity, peace was restored,” the statement added. “Today, we must rekindle that sacred spirit and call on Almighty Allah to shield our state from the deliberate onslaught of evil forces.”
“In times past, our forefathers turned to collective supplication whenever our land was confronted with danger, and through faith and unity, peace was restored
The organization called on mosques, churches, and households across the state to organize prayers for divine protection, stressing that such exercises should be taken as sincere acts of faith rather than ceremonial observances.
The group further appealed to religious leaders, traditional rulers, and community elders to use their influence to preach peace, discipline, and the sanctity of life. It warned that “evil thrives where good people are quiet,” urging community leaders to speak out against the rising insecurity.
Parents and guardians were also advised to monitor their children more closely and instill moral values that discourage violence and crime, while youths were cautioned against the lure of quick wealth and criminal ventures.
“Violence brings no honour, only shame and destruction,” the statement said. “All residents must remain vigilant and report suspicious movements, persons, or objects to security agencies. Security is everyone’s business; no detail is too small to save a life.”
All residents must remain vigilant and report suspicious movements, persons, or objects to security agencies. Security is everyone’s business; no detail is too small to save a life
The Third Estate cautioned against politicizing security matters, stressing that the current situation demands unity and sincerity of purpose rather than propaganda or blame games.
“Bandits and criminals do not ask for party cards before attacking; their aim is to destroy the peace we all share,” the group noted, adding that every leader will be held accountable before God for their actions or inactions.
Bandits and criminals do not ask for party cards before attacking; their aim is to destroy the peace we all share,”
Reaffirming its commitment to peace and social responsibility, the Third Estate described its statement as “a voice of concern and a call to conscience,” urging all stakeholders to protect Kwara’s long-standing reputation as a state of peace and harmony.
The statement concluded with prayers for divine protection over Kwara State, wisdom for its leaders, and courage for security personnel working to restore peace across affected communities.
