A prominent coalition of women's groups, Womanifesto, has issued a stern 14-day ultimatum to Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, following a violent assault on female protesters at the Government House in Ilorin.
Peaceful Protest Turns Violent
The crisis began on Monday, when a group of women staged a peaceful demonstration at the state's seat of power. Their demand was urgent government action to rescue their husbands and children, who had been abducted by suspected criminals in the Oke-Ode community of Ifelodun Local Council. According to the protesters, some victims have remained in captivity for several months without any decisive intervention from the state authorities.
In a statement dated December 30, 2025, and signed by its Co-Convener, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Womanifesto clarified that the protest was a desperate plea for protection and justice from "wives, mothers and caregivers," not a political maneuver.
Eyewitnesses Report Brutal Attack
The situation took a disturbing turn when, according to eyewitness accounts and video evidence circulating on social media, men allegedly armed with canes emerged from within the Government House premises. These individuals proceeded to chase, beat, and brutalize the unarmed women. Shockingly, security operatives present at the scene reportedly failed to intervene to stop the attack.
Womanifesto condemned the incident as a grave violation of the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, especially as it occurred within a government facility where citizens should expect protection. The group stated that the event raises alarming questions about the safety of women in Kwara State and the government's fundamental duty to guarantee citizen security.
Condemnation Without Accountability is Not Enough
While acknowledging the governor's swift public statement to distance his administration from the attack, Womanifesto insisted that mere condemnation is insufficient. The group argued that without concrete steps towards accountability, such statements could inadvertently embolden perpetrators.
"What is wrong is wrong. Distancing the government from this act without concrete action only deepens impunity," the group's statement read. Womanifesto revealed it is in direct contact with some of the assaulted women, who have recounted experiences of harassment, humiliation, and physical assault. The coalition described their trauma as "real and unacceptable in any democratic society."
The 14-day ultimatum handed to Governor AbdulRazaq demands that he ensure full accountability for the violence and take immediate, tangible steps to address the worsening insecurity in Oke-Ode, where the kidnappings that sparked the protest remain unresolved.
