Calm has returned to Lafiagi, headquarters of Edu local government area of Kwara state, following Monday morning uprising that erupted over rising insecurity.
The uprising was also linked to various issues in the community, including security operations targeting hard drug dealers.
In the aftermath of the early morning uprising that culminated in an attack on the office of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and an attempt to torch the emir’s palace, a high-powered government’s security delegation visited the community to restore peace and order.
The security delegation comprised the Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi, Brigade Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi Barracks, Ilorin, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, and senior special assistant to the governor on Security Matters, Alhaji Muhyideen Aliu.
They were received by the chairman of the local government, Abdullahi Bello, development officer for Edu, Alhaji Haruna Likpata; Commissioner for Youth Development, Shehu Ndanusa Usman and chairman of the teaching service commission, Bello Taoheed Abubakar.
“The protest in the morning was related to recent arrests of suspected drug dealers. The protesters took advantage of the anxiety around recent security breaches to launch an attack on the NDLEA office, where they burnt three vehicles and motorcycles, released three suspects, and carted away substances seized from the dealers.
“They also attempted to attack the emir’s palace because, according to them, he did not stop the NDLEA from arresting the suspected drug dealers and smokers.
“This is sheer criminality, and we condemn it totally. The soldiers and other security forces have been able to restore calm in Lafiagi town. We also visited the palace, where we addressed everyone on the need to maintain peace and order,” Aliu said.