Tensions flared in Lafiagi, Edu LGA of Kwara State, on Monday as protesting youths set fire to the Emir’s palace, the local government secretariat, and the NDLEA office. The unrest followed the abduction of a well-known agro-chemical dealer, popularly called Alhaji Chemical, from his home in the early hours of Sunday.

Gunmen, suspected to be bandits, stormed the Taiwo area on motorcycles around 1 a.m., overpowering local vigilantes with heavy gunfire before seizing the businessman. Community members described the kidnapping as a targeted, well-coordinated attack.

Monday’s protest saw roads blocked and tyres burned, with demonstrators demanding swift government action to curb rising insecurity. A recent viral video of another abduction—a point-of-sale operator—fueled the public outrage.

Security forces, including police, soldiers, hunters, and vigilantes, have since launched a search operation in nearby forests. The Kwara State Police Commissioner confirmed the deployment and said the Brigade Commander had addressed the security personnel.

The incident adds to a growing wave of kidnappings in Kwara. Just last week, a 12-year-old girl was abducted in Lile village, and three people were killed in a separate attack in Mari village, Patigi LGA.

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