Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq has rejected calls by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the state over alleged links between government officials and criminal elements.
Through his aides, the governor dismissed the claims as baseless and politically motivated, accusing the PDP of stoking tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The controversy arose after a viral video showed suspected bandits arrested in Auchi, Edo State, claiming they were supplied with AK-47 rifles and a government-branded patrol van by alleged officials of the Kwara State Government.
PDP State Secretary Abdulrahman Kayode described the allegations as “grave and disturbing,” urging immediate federal intervention. He linked the video to recent spikes in deadly attacks in local government areas including Ifelodun, Patigi, Edu, Ekiti, Isin, and Irepodun, citing the September 28 attack in Oke-Ode, Ifelodun, where over 15 people were reportedly killed.
Kayode also questioned the role of an individual referred to as “Oga Victor” in the Edo video and demanded transparency regarding the alleged distribution of government weapons and vehicles to non-state actors. The PDP called for an independent investigation by federal security agencies and a full audit of all government-branded patrol vehicles in the state.
Kwara Government Responds
In response, Governor Abdulrazaq’s Senior Special Assistant on Communications, Ibraheem Abdullateef, described the PDP’s call as “baseless” and a “desperate political tactic,” insisting the allegations are fake news aimed at inciting fear and unrest.
Kwara State Commissioner for Communications, Mrs. Bolanle Olukoju, also denied any wrongdoing, stating that no armed bandits had been arrested in Ifelodun or elsewhere by the Nigerian Army or any security agency, and emphasised that the state government has no authority to issue AK-47 rifles.
She reassured the public that the administration remains fully committed to ensuring the security of lives and property, with no connection to any criminal activities.
