Residents of Lafiagi, in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, took to the streets on Monday to protest what they described as worsening insecurity in their communities.

The protesters, mostly youths, decried the spate of kidnappings and killings, accusing the government of indifference in the face of continued violence.

In a widely circulated video, they were seen chanting solidarity songs and waving placards, demanding urgent intervention to stem the tide of bloodshed and abductions that have disrupted daily life.

The protest turned violent as the youths reportedly set fire to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) office in Lafiagi and vandalised the Emir’s palace, smashing windows and damaging parts of the building.

“We have been crying and dying in silence,” a resident said in the video. “People are being kidnapped every week. We no longer sleep with both eyes closed, and no one – not the governor, the council chairman, or even the Emir – is doing anything about it.”

Sources said the protest was triggered by deep-seated anger over recurring attacks and a lack of effective response from both local and state authorities.

“The youth are exhausted. There’s been no concrete government action. The frequency of attacks has only increased – that’s why this protest broke out today,” one source explained.

The unrest reportedly escalated as protesters advanced towards key government buildings and security offices.

Lafiagi and nearby communities have witnessed a series of abductions in recent weeks, with many residents still being held by their captors. Families are said to have paid hefty ransoms to secure the release of loved ones.