Group Laments Surging Insecurity in Baruten/ Kaiama  * Calls for immediate intervention from govt, security agencies

The Batombu Unity and Development Initiative, Abuja (BUDIA), a non profit organization dedicated to advocating for the welfare and development of the Batombu people, has expressed deep concern over the escalating insecurity in Baruten and Kaiama Local Government Areas of Kwara State, warning that the rising tide of terrorism poses a “critical threat to lives and properties” in the region.

In a statement issued by its President, Barrister Nasir Abubakar Othman, BUDIA noted that “in recent months, communities in Baruten and Kaiama Local Government Areas, located near Kainji Lake National Park, have endured a surge in violent killings.” The group described the situation as a “bloodbath” that has led to “tragic loss of lives, widespread destruction of properties and a growing climate of fear and cessation of farming and economic activities.”

According to BUDIA, the violent attacks have severely disrupted local livelihoods. “The violence has displaced and disrupted numerous families, local businesses and agricultural activities, as well as severely destabilized and displaced the affected areas,” the statement said.

The humanitarian impact has been dire. BUDIA highlighted that “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 organization warned that the situation “calls for immediate intervention from the government and security agencies to restore order and protect vulnerable populations in these communities.”

The group commended efforts already underway by the Kwara State Government, applauding the leadership of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq. “BUDIA commends the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, along with senior military officials and representatives of security agencies, for visiting Kaiama as part of their ongoing assessment efforts,” Othman stated.

However, the group emphasized that further steps are needed. “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,” the statement added.

BUDIA also called on residents to maintain vigilance and cooperate with security forces. “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,” the group urged.

Reaffirming its commitment to the communities, BUDIA declared: “We stand 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.”