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By Tracy Moses
The House of Representatives has called for urgent and coordinated security interventions in Ifelodun, Offa, and Oyun Federal Constituency of Kwara State following a surge in deadly attacks by armed bandits that have left several people dead and many displaced.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion moved on Tuesday by Hon. Tijjani Kayode Ismail, member representing Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency, who expressed grave concern over the deteriorating security situation in his constituency and other parts of the state.
Presenting the motion titled “Urgent Need to Address the Rising Insecurity in Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency and Other Parts of Kwara State”, Hon. Ismail lamented the recent spike in violent attacks, killings, and displacement of residents, warning that the situation posed a serious threat to lives, livelihoods, education, and food security.
Recall that the area has suffered repeated waves of violent attacks in recent years, including the 2018 Offa bank robbery that claimed over 30 lives, several abductions along the Oke-Ode–Share highway, and recurring assaults on farmers and local vigilante groups by armed herdsmen and bandits, which have left many communities living in constant fear and forced hundreds to flee their ancestral homes.
The lawmaker drew particular attention to the tragic incident of Sunday, September 28, 2025, in Oke-Ode community, where no fewer than fifteen people, including eleven forest guards and the Baale of Ogbayo, were brutally murdered by armed bandits.
“The persistence of these attacks is deeply disturbing. It not only endangers the lives and livelihoods of innocent people but also threatens to spread further if urgent and coordinated action is not taken,” Hon. Ismail warned.
Following deliberations, the House resolved to commiserate with the families of the victims and communities affected by the attacks. Lawmakers also urged the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector General of Police, and the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to intensify deployments and coordinate security operations across the troubled areas.
In addition, the House directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide immediate humanitarian relief to persons displaced by the attacks and called on the Federal Government to collaborate with the Kwara State Government in establishing a forward-operational base as part of a sustainable security framework.
The House further mandated its Committees on National Security, Defence, Army, Air Force, Police Affairs, and Emergency & Disaster Preparedness to ensure compliance with the resolutions and report back within four weeks.
Lawmakers also observed a minute of silence in honour of the slain victims.
Hon. Ismail, who serves on several House Committees including Air Force, Alternative Education, Judiciary, Inland Waterways, Healthcare Services, Housing, Finance, Local Content, Public Accounts, and Steel, reiterated his commitment to ensuring the safety and security of his constituents.