The Kwara State House of Assembly has urged Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to direct the State Security Council to urgently review and strengthen security infrastructure across the state's three senatorial districts, addressing unique challenges in each area.

The call followed a motion on urgent public importance regarding rising insecurity, tabled by Magaji Oba Abdulkadir (Ilorin Central) and seconded by Mohammed Baba Salihu (Okuta/Yashikira).

The assembly further directed the governor to ensure security agencies deploy additional personnel and resources to vulnerable communities most affected by the security challenges.

In addition, the Assembly advised the governor to mandate the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to establish a Victim Support Fund. This fund would assist families displaced or affected by terrorism and support the reconstruction of impacted communities.

The legislature also encouraged the governor to direct the Ministry of Communications, in collaboration with traditional institutions, to launch a state-wide security awareness campaign, emphasising the importance of promptly reporting suspicious activities.

Leading the debate, Magaji Oba Abdulkadir, relying on Order VII, Rule 40 of the House Rules, raised the matter as one of general public importance. He highlighted the urgency of addressing the escalating insecurity in Kwara State-historically known as the State of Harmony and celebrated for its peace, unity, and harmonious coexistence among its diverse ethnic, cultural, and religious communities.

Magaji underscored that the state's peace and stability are not only essential for the wellbeing of its citizens but also vital for economic prosperity.

He, however, lamented that terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements now freely torment innocent Kwarans, particularly in the Baruten and Kaiama axis, and more recently in Oke-Ero Local Government Area. These attacks have led to loss of lives, displacement of residents, destruction of farmlands, and disruption of socio-economic activities-creating widespread panic and instability.

He drew attention to the alarming increase in kidnapping for ransom, citing the recent abduction of the Director of Personnel Management and the Director of the Legal Department of Oke-Ero Local Government Council, who were only released on Sunday.

Magaji Oba warned that if these threats are not addressed with the urgency they require, the situation may deteriorate further and undermine the long-standing peace that Kwara has been known for. He called for proactive and deliberate measures to restore public confidence, secure communities, and reclaim the state from the grip of terror and uncertainty.

He acknowledged the efforts of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, who has demonstrated commendable leadership through numerous collaborations with security stakeholders. He particularly noted the governor's physical visit to a conflict area and the distribution of 150 motorcycles aimed at improving mobility for security personnel and enhancing safety-initiatives that foster a safer environment for commerce, community wellbeing, and peaceful living.

Magaji concluded that the matter is of utmost importance, reiterating that the primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property, and the maintenance of law and order.