A major political clash has erupted in Kwara State over the sensitive issue of insecurity, with the governor's office and the main opposition party trading serious allegations. The Senior Special Assistant on Communications to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Ibrahim Lateef, launched a scathing attack on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing its members as "bandits without guns" for their public statements on the security situation.
Governor's Aide Accuses PDP of Destructive Misinformation
During a broadcast monitored on Thursday, December 19, 2024, Ibrahim Lateef issued a stern warning to residents of Kwara State. He accused the PDP and its spokesperson of engaging in "destructive" antics that threaten public peace. Lateef argued that deliberately spreading falsehoods about insecurity for political gain is morally equivalent to the actions of armed criminals.
"If anybody sits anywhere to peddle misinformation and falsehood about their state or about the government for political purposes, that person is no different from a bandit. All they have not had access to is guns," Lateef stated emphatically. He urged citizens to be wary of narratives designed to incite panic, stressing that the state cannot afford to fight banditry on multiple fronts.
The governor's aide further escalated his rhetoric, accusing the PDP of "in-house banditry" and scheming that he found deeply concerning. He called on the public to recognize and reject what he characterized as politically motivated fear-mongering.
PDP Fires Back, Alleges Government Complicity
The Kwara State chapter of the PDP swiftly dismissed the accusations from the governor's office. The party's spokesperson, Olushola Olusegun, countered that they were merely repeating claims made by suspected bandits arrested in the state. Olusegun alleged that in a viral video, the suspects confessed to receiving sponsorship and logistical support from the Kwara State government led by AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Olusegun pointed to a specific name, "Oga Victor," mentioned in the video, claiming it had previously surfaced in connection with the attack on the Oke-Ode community. He referenced allegations from Oke-Ode residents that a government security representative had visited their village a day before the attack and withdrawn all ammunition on government instructions.
"Who is the government? Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq," Olusegun stated rhetorically, directly implicating the state's leadership. The PDP insists its role is to bring these alleged confessions to public attention, not to create false narratives.
ONSA Clarifies Role in Arms Distribution to Vigilantes
Amid the heated political exchange, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) intervened to clarify its role. In a statement issued by Abu Michael, Head of Strategic Communications at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the agency confirmed it provides arms to vigilante groups. This support is part of a legal strategy to combat terrorism and banditry under the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.
Michael explained that Nigeria's counter-terrorism approach includes deploying hybrid forces—combining regular security agencies with trained auxiliaries like hunters and vigilantes—especially in difficult terrains like forests. He stressed that similar strategies were used with the Civilian JTF in the North East and are now applied in the North West and North Central, including Kwara State.
However, the ONSA spokesperson firmly denied misleading media reports. "For the avoidance of doubt, the Federal Government and its agencies are not conducting kinetic operations with any socio-cultural groups," Michael stated. He clarified that all hybrid personnel are recruited directly by authorized security agencies after due diligence, and all operations follow strict legal protocols. He urged the media and public to disregard unverified claims and seek information only from official spokespersons.
Background: Farmers Displaced, Turn to Okada Riding
This political storm unfolds against a backdrop of genuine security challenges in Kwara. Earlier reports indicated that farmers in areas like Ifelodun, Ekiti, Lafiagi, and Patigi have abandoned their farmlands due to repeated attacks by suspected bandits, kidnappers, and armed herders. Many have fled to the state capital, Ilorin, for safety.
Displaced farmers have reportedly turned to commercial motorcycle (okada) riding to earn a living, as threats of violence, extortion, and abduction have made farming untenable. This reality underscores the high stakes of the political debate over security information and the government's response.
The clash between the Kwara State government and the opposition PDP highlights the volatile intersection of politics and security in Nigeria. While officials warn against panic-inducing misinformation, the opposition claims it is holding the government accountable based on alleged evidence from the very criminals terrorizing the state. The ONSA's clarification seeks to anchor the discussion in the legal framework of national security policy, even as local tensions remain high.
