A prominent human rights organization has issued a strong demand to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling for an urgent and independent investigation into grave allegations that the Kwara State Government may be involved in arming criminal elements terrorizing the state.
Allegations Pose Grave Threat to National Security
The Crisis and Situation Monitoring Room (CSMR), in a statement released on Tuesday, December 16, described the claims as a severe danger to Nigeria's constitutional order and security. The group's Executive Director, Dr. Anthony Rowland Attah, stated that the allegations are not mere rumors but indicate a profound governance crisis in Kwara State.
The controversy stems from reports that prohibited firearms, including AK-47 rifles, and a government-branded security vehicle were discovered in the possession of suspected bandits. These incidents are said to have occurred in parts of Kwara, notably within the Ifelodun Local Government Area.
Dr. Attah warned that any involvement of state officials in distributing military-grade weapons to non-state actors would be a blatant violation of the law. "If officials under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq have facilitated the distribution of AK-47 rifles to non-state actors masquerading as patrol operatives, this constitutes a direct assault on national security and a blatant violation of the 1999 Constitution," he asserted.
Communities Suffer Amidst Worsening Insecurity
CSMR highlighted the devastating impact of persistent violence on local populations. Communities in Ifelodun, Edu, and Patigi have endured repeated attacks, kidnappings, and killings in recent months, leading to widespread displacement and fear.
Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government, Attah condemned the suffering of citizens. He argued that arming criminal elements, whether intentionally or through negligence, represents a shift from governance to what he termed "state-enabled terrorism."
Demand for Federal Probe and Governor's Suspension
The rights group firmly rejected the Kwara State Government's denial of the allegations, stating that mere assurances are insufficient without transparent verification. CSMR emphasized that no state governor has the constitutional authority to procure or distribute military-grade weapons like AK-47s.
To ensure a credible process, CSMR called for a federal-led investigation, possibly through a judicial commission of inquiry or a special presidential panel. This probe must trace the origin of the weapons, examine logistical support to alleged vigilante groups, and identify any complicit officials.
In a significant escalation of its demands, CSMR urged President Tinubu to consider invoking constitutional measures to suspend Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq pending the investigation's outcome. The group believes this step is necessary to prevent interference with evidence or witnesses and to help restore shattered public confidence.
"Suspension pending investigation would uphold due process, protect public safety and align with established precedents in cases of serious misconduct," Attah explained.
The organization concluded with a stern warning that failure to act decisively could embolden criminal networks and further destabilize the North-Central region, urging the Federal Government to take immediate steps to address the allegations and restore trust in Kwara State's governance and security apparatus.
