In response to mounting insecurity and a series of kidnappings, a group of enraged youths in Lafiagi, Kwara State, have set fire to the office of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The incident took place amid a wave of protests triggered by the recent abductions of residents, including a well-known agro-chemical dealer and a Point-of-Sale (POS) agent.
The violent protest unfolded over the weekend, with demonstrators blaming security agencies for failing to protect lives and property in the area. The NDLEA facility in Lafiagi was completely overrun by the crowd, who later torched the building. The level of damage to the agency’s infrastructure has yet to be fully assessed, but eyewitness reports confirm that the structure was engulfed in flames before emergency responders arrived.
The unrest did not stop at the NDLEA office. Protesters also targeted the palace of the Emir of Lafiagi. According to local accounts, several windows were shattered, and parts of the historic building sustained damage. The attack on the traditional ruler’s residence was seen as a reflection of widespread frustration, with some accusing local leadership of inaction in the face of the deteriorating security situation.
Tensions had been simmering in the community for several days following the abductions of the two residents. The agro-chemical dealer and POS operator were seized in separate incidents by unknown gunmen, believed to be operating within the surrounding forests. While the identities of the victims were not disclosed, their prominent roles in the community contributed to the public outrage.
Security forces have since been deployed to Lafiagi to restore order and protect critical infrastructure. The Kwara State Police Command has acknowledged the incident and confirmed that investigations are underway to identify those responsible for the arson and palace vandalism.
Authorities have condemned the attack, describing it as an unlawful response to criminal activity that could worsen the already fragile security situation. Law enforcement officials have urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies in efforts to track down the kidnappers and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
The NDLEA, whose office was the primary target of the arson, issued a brief statement expressing shock at the incident. The agency noted that while public frustration is understandable, violent acts against law enforcement institutions undermine national efforts to maintain peace and order. The agency also called for support from the public in ongoing anti-drug and security operations.
Local government officials in Edu Local Government Area, which encompasses Lafiagi, have appealed for restraint. They acknowledged the severity of the insecurity in the region and assured the public that steps are being taken to strengthen patrols and improve intelligence gathering.
Community leaders are also working to de-escalate the situation. A meeting has reportedly been scheduled between traditional authorities, youth representatives, and security officials to address the underlying grievances and to prevent further incidents.
The incidents in Lafiagi come amid a broader national struggle with insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in rural and semi-urban communities where kidnappings and armed attacks have become increasingly frequent. Residents of affected areas often accuse security agencies of being reactive rather than proactive, citing delayed responses and insufficient protection.
The Federal Government has yet to issue a formal response to the violence in Kwara State. However, observers note that this latest unrest underscores the urgency of tackling insecurity and restoring public confidence in law enforcement and governance structures.
As of Tuesday, calm had been partially restored in Lafiagi, though the situation remains tense. The state government has promised to rebuild damaged properties and to ensure that perpetrators of the violence face legal consequences. Meanwhile, search operations for the kidnapped individuals continue, with hopes that they will be rescued unharmed.
