NDLEA office burnt, vehicles destroyed as protest rocks Kwara over rising kidnappings and bandit attacks (Photos)
Irate youths have razed an office of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and destroyed many vehicles in Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State as they protest against rising kidnappings and band attacks.
The incident occurred on Monday morning, June 30, 2025.
According to reports, the protest was directed at the Emir of Lafiagi, Mohammed Kawu Kudu, who is reportedly not present in town at the moment.
In viral images circulating online, a building said to belong to the NDLEA was razed, and many vehicles in front of the building were destroyed.
The unrest stems from the recent abduction of some men from the community by bandits or kidnappers, which has left residents anxious and frustrated.
On Sunday, a prominent agrochemical dealer popularly known as Alhaji Chemical was kidnapped by bandits.
It was revealed that the bandits invaded the community, after which they stormed the victim’s residence around Taiwo Road in Lafiagi, shooting to create panic before taking him away.
“They came around 1 a.m. and went to Alhaji Chemical’s house. There was an exchange of gunfire between them and the local hunters, but the bandits were heavily armed. They overpowered the local hunters and escaped with him,” The Informant247 quotes a source.
Similarly, on Monday morning, at least two residents were reportedly kidnapped after suspected bandits attacked Kokodo village in the Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State.
According to sources, the incident occurred around 12 a.m. on Monday, just two hours after bandits attacked Lafiagi town in the same local government area, kidnapping a POS operator.
Villagers said the bandits, heavily armed, invaded the community — a border village between Edu and Patigi LGAs — and kidnapped two Hausa men.
A third victim, a teenage girl, managed to escape from the kidnappers.
A resident who attempted to raise the alarm during the invasion was shot, sources confirmed.
“The bandits came with sophisticated weapons. They kidnapped two Hausa men in their homes. A villager who came out to shout for help was shot, and a young girl managed to escape,” The Informant247 quoted a local source.
Many of the town’s people now express a deep lack of trust in the Emir’s leadership, especially in light of his absence during such a critical time.
It was gathered that the protesters said the silence and inaction from the traditional authority have further fueled suspicions and discontent among the youth, who are demanding answers and immediate action regarding the safety and security of their community.
Meanwhile, the police in the state have yet to confirm the incident as of the time of filing this report.
See the pictures of the protest below
