Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has criticised the Kwara State Government over what he described as its failure to tackle the rising wave of insecurity across the state.

Speaking on Saturday in Ilorin during the state congress of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Saraki said no fewer than 70 people had been killed in bandit attacks in the past six months.

"Over 70 people have been killed, 52 sustained injuries, and 40 people kidnapped in Kwara in the last six months," he said.

The former Kwara governor accused the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration of incompetence in handling security matters, warning that silence in the face of such attacks would be dangerous.

"During the tenure of my predecessors, Governor Adamu Attah, Governor Shaaba Lafiagi, and Governor Mohammed Lawal, as well as my own tenure, and even that of my immediate successor, AbdulFatai Ahmed, Kwara did not experience this ugly insecurity.

"Unfortunately, the present government has failed to tow the right path in protecting the lives and property of Kwarans.

"We will not keep quiet because the present government in Kwara State has failed to provide security for our people due to their incompetence. We will continue to speak out because security is everyone's business.

"We cannot just look on and allow the present leadership in Kwara State to ruin the state due to their ineptitude. Opposition is not your problem, face I'm you're elected to do and secure the lives and property of Kwarans," Saraki said.

Kwara, traditionally regarded as one of Nigeria's more peaceful states, has in recent months faced rising security challenges, especially in its northern flank bordering Niger and parts of Benin Republic. Communities in Baruten, Kaiama, and Edu Local Government Areas have suffered bandit attacks, kidnappings, and raids on farmlands, raising fears over the capacity of security agencies to contain the menace.

PUNCH Online earlier reported that bandits launched fresh assaults on rural communities in Kwara State, killing a policeman and abducting several villagers in separate incidents across three local government areas.

In Edu LGA, gunmen invaded Chekugi village in the Lafiagi Emirate during an early morning raid on Wednesday, whisking away four residents.

The attack came less than 24 hours after bandits stormed Matokun village in Patigi Local Government Area, where a pregnant woman was reportedly killed and at least five others were injured.

It was gathered that the attackers operated for more than five hours, holding villagers hostage before leaving with 12 captives.

On the outcome of the PDP state congress, Saraki commended party members for what he called a demonstration of maturity, fairness, and internal democracy.

According to him, the peaceful conduct of the exercise has positioned the PDP as a credible alternative in Kwara State.

"The PDP has once again shown that it is the party that provides a level playing field and prioritises the will of the people," he said.

Saraki added, "At PDP, the INEC officials can see that we are very mature and peaceful. I am very sure that in other parties' congresses, you will need security because they are not coordinated and may end up throwing chairs, as they usually do.

"The maturity displayed in Kwara State congresses is a reflection of the national character of our great party."

The PDP recently concluded its ward and local government congresses across Kwara, culminating in Saturday's state-level exercise in Ilorin.