The Batombu Unity and Development Initiative Abuja (BUDIA) has urged the federal government to rescue Baruten Local Government Area in Kwara State from the stranglehold of bandits and terrorists.
This was contained in a statement issued and signed by its President, Nasir Othman, and endorsed by the board of trustees.
The non-profit organisation dedicated to advocating for the welfare and development of the Batombu people expressed grave concern over the worsening insecurity in the area caused by the activities of bandits and terrorists.
The organisation observed that the rising insecurity in the local government, poses a critical threat to lives and properties in Baruten and Kaiama Local Government Areas of Kwara State.
“In recent months, communities in Baruten and Kaiama Local Government Areas, located near Kainji Lake National Park, have endured a surge in violent killings.
“These bloodbaths have led to the tragic loss of lives, widespread destruction of properties, and a growing climate of fear and cessation of farming and economic activities.
“The violence has displaced and disrupted numerous families, local businesses, and agricultural activities, as well as severely destabilised and displaced the people in the affected areas.
“The towns of Chikanda, Yashikira, Kuburufu, and Gure are now overwhelmed by the influx of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), the majority of whom are women, children, and elderly individuals,” the group said.
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It added that this critical situation calls for immediate intervention from the federal government and security agencies to restore order and protect vulnerable populations in the affected communities.
“BUDIA commends the Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, along with senior military officials and representatives of security agencies, for visiting Kaiama as part of their ongoing assessment efforts.
“However, we strongly urge the government to extend similar assessment visits to the troubled areas of Baruten Local Government Area to address the urgent needs of affected communities and adopt a comprehensive strategy to resolve this crisis.
“Similarly, we call on all residents of Baruten and Kaiama to remain law-abiding and vigilant, promptly reporting any suspicious activities or unfamiliar movements of strangers to security agencies stationed within their communities and to traditional rulers.
“BUDIA stands in solidarity with all sons and daughters of Baruten and Kaiama as we urgently appeal for decisive military intervention to end the violence and restore peace and stability in our communities,” the body said.
