Lagos NDC senatorial aspirant condemns Kwara, Oyo attacks

A Lagos Central Senatorial aspirant of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Ladipo Johnson, has condemned the recent attacks in Kwara and Oyo states, describing them as evidence of worsening insecurity and leadership failure in the country.

Johnson, in a statement issued on Monday, decried the coordinated assault on the Yashikira Emir’s Palace and the Yashikira Police Divisional Headquarters in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The former spokesman of the New Nigeria People’s Party said the attacks, alongside the abduction of over 30 pupils in Oyo State and other incidents in Kwara, reflected what he called a “systemic collapse” of national security.

According to him, the growing insecurity has also triggered economic hardship, “with food prices at Oyingbo Market in Lagos reportedly rising by about 150 per cent, while logistics costs increased by between 30 and 40 per cent due to supply chain disruptions.”

He said, “The blood of the innocent is crying out from the soil of Kwara, just as it did only last week in Oyo State when bandits once again reminded us that no one is safe.”

“This government’s ineptitude has turned the average Nigerian citizen into a pawn in a deadly game of survival. We are witnessing a systemic collapse where even police stations, the very symbols of state protection, are no longer sacrosanct.”

Johnson argued that the security crisis stemmed from a lack of political will, insisting that the NDC leadership possessed the experience and capacity to tackle the challenge.

He, however, praised former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, for what he described as administrative prudence and accountability, while also commending Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso for his experience as a former Minister of Defence.

As part of proposed solutions, Johnson called for immediate implementation of state and community policing, improved border surveillance, the establishment of a National Whistleblower Fund for security intelligence, and stronger collaboration between the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria and private technology firms.

“We cannot continue to do the same thing and expect a different result,” he said.

“As I seek to represent the people of Lagos Central in the Senate, my priority will be the legislative framework that strips away the bottlenecks preventing our security agencies from being proactive rather than reactive.”