By Faith Chondol
The Nigerian Senate has called on the federal government to establish a permanent military base in Kwara South to tackle the growing wave of insecurity in the region.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Senator Ashiru Oyelola, who represents Kwara South, during Wednesday’s plenary session.
Oyelola lamented that incessant attacks, kidnappings, and killings have reached alarming levels in Ifelodun Local Government Area and other parts of Kwara South, forcing many residents to flee their homes.
According to him, at least 142 people have been kidnapped and more than 70 killed in the past year, while about 25 communities have been deserted due to continuous attacks allegedly carried out by foreign armed elements in collaboration with local informants.
The lawmaker said the crisis has crippled farming, schooling, and trading activities, plunging the area into deeper poverty. He criticised the federal government’s response as “episodic, inadequate, and reactive,” leaving vast ungoverned spaces under the control of criminal gangs.
Oyelola urged the deployment of additional troops and special forces to clear the forests and restore peace in affected communities. He also appealed to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials to displaced persons and compensate the families of forest guards and vigilantes killed in action.
In his contribution, Senator Sunday Karimi of Kogi West said residents have continued to suffer daily attacks, stressing the need for urgent intervention.
“In the last six months, our people have been attacked every day. Some people are benefitting from this criminality. We have to move fast and stop them,” Karimi said.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) cautioned that insecurity in one region poses a threat to the entire country, adding, “Each day a Nigerian is kidnapped, especially near military facilities, Nigerians lose confidence. The armed forces must restrategise and work harder.”
Senators Ekong Samson (Akwa Ibom South) and Garba Madoki (Kebbi South) also called for stronger grassroots security structures and closer oversight of military operations.
The Senate subsequently directed its committees on defence, police affairs, and national security to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of affected communities in Kwara South and report back within two weeks.
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