Senate urges FG to establish Military Base in Kwara

The Senate has called on the Federal Government to establish a permanent military base in the Kwara South Senatorial District to combat rising insecurity in the region.

The lawmakers specifically proposed that the base be located near the forest belts of Ifelodun Local Government Area, to serve as a rapid response hub against persistent kidnappings and banditry.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Lola Ashiru, who raised concerns over the increasing wave of killings, kidnappings, and violent attacks that have forced several communities to flee their homes.

Senator Ashiru lamented that in just one month, at least 12 forest guards and vigilante members were ambushed and killed by armed bandits in Oke-Ode. He added that traditional rulers and community leaders from Ogba-Ayo, Babanla, Sagbe, Oro Ago, and Ganmu-Alheri were among the victims.

He further revealed that within the past year, over 142 people had been kidnapped and more than 70 killed across Kwara South, while about 25 communities had been abandoned due to recurring attacks, creating a humanitarian crisis.

Following the motion, the Senate urged the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector-General of Police to deploy more troops and special units to the region to clear out criminal elements and restore peace.

Insecurity has become a major concern in the state, with recent incidents heightening public anxiety. In August, gunmen attacked Babanla community in Ifelodun, killing five people, including a police officer, Adejumo Wasiu. On October 2, another police officer, Ezra John, was abducted along the Patigi–Lade road, a route notorious for criminal activities.

Reacting to the situation, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to protect lives and property. He vowed that no part of the state would serve as a refuge for criminals.

“I have assurances from the security forces to smoke out and eliminate the criminals from their hideouts. We will fight insecurity with every resource at our disposal. Kwara will not be a hiding place for criminals. To any criminal who seeks to destabilise the peace in Kwara, you may run, but you cannot escape justice,” the governor said after a security council meeting.