His Royal Highness, Ambassador (Dr) Alhaji Umar Sariki Usman, Sabikpassi II, the Emir of Yashikira in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, has issued a grave warning regarding the deteriorating security situation in his domain. In an exclusive statement, the monarch expressed deep concern over the repeated failure of Nigerian military personnel to respond effectively to terrorist incursions in the region.
According to the Emir, soldiers deployed to safeguard the community have consistently abandoned their motorcycles and fled during attacks, leaving local vigilante groups—who are poorly equipped and under-resourced—to defend the population alone.
“They are young boys just from training. They cannot go into any serious fighting. That is the reason they always drop their motorcycles and run away whenever the terrorists launch an attack,” the Emir stated.
The monarch lamented the lack of reinforcements despite government assurances, noting that the burden of protection has now shifted entirely to local vigilantes. He emphasized that the community remains vulnerable to further attacks by the Mahmuda terror group, which has been linked to a series of violent incidents across Kwara and neighboring Niger State.
This revelation comes amid growing public frustration and protests in other parts of Kwara, where residents have accused authorities of neglecting their duty to protect lives and property.