A recent spike in kidnappings, banditry, and homicides—especially in the southern senatorial zone—has shaken Kwara State’s once-cherished reputation as the State of Harmony. However, Adekimi Ojo, the recently appointed Commissioner of Police, is adamant that things are improving. Nicholas Uwerutonye is the one he addresses.
What is the current state of affairs with the recent insecurity in Kwara South?
They’re containing the bandits. Previously, they were free to assault communities and towns. However, these attacks have significantly decreased since we stepped up our activities. Communities that have been displaced are coming back. They haven’t been totally destroyed yet, but we’re sure we’ll get there.
The government has been accused by the public of responding slowly. What kind of help have you gotten?
Governor Abdul Rahman Abdul Razaq deserves special recognition. He immediately caught Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser,’s attention. In addition to what the police offered, he used his influence to secure troop deployment and 16 armored personnel carriers. The tide changed as a result of that intervention.
In the past, Kwara was tranquil. Why are bandits now interested?
They had been lurking in our woodlands for a long time. Their colleagues here welcomed them when Zamfara stepped up its crackdown, claiming that Kwara was profitable. Why? as a result of our common way of life. Families and communities provide money to free impoverished men, even if they are abducted. They are drawn to ransom turnover like that.
Burglary is on the rise, according to Tanke Axis residents. Any action?
We have involved leaders in the community. Residential areas will no longer be open to scavengers, and only certain marketplaces will be permitted to sell scrap metal. For improved coverage, the University of Ilorin has also fixed one of our police cars.
Some kings are accused of banditry on social internet. Is that correct?
utterly untrue. In Kwara, no traditional leader has been taken into custody in connection with kidnapping. Don’t trust the information if it’s not from the cops.
People continue to voice their displeasure with police harassment and profiling. How would you respond?
We will always have a few bad eggs, just like in the Bible when one of the disciples betrayed the faith. However, we punish our men. Also, citizens need to be aware of their rights. According to the Cybercrime Law, it is unlawful to check your phone without a warrant because it is your property. Any officer found guilty faces five years in prison and termination.
What has happened with the woman that was killed in Egbejila?
The investigations are finished. In contrast to previous allegations, her husband planned the murder. Although he denied giving the order to have her killed, he acknowledged that he had hired someone to do it. To bring the case to a close, we are seeking the accomplice.
How do the police feel about the trade in organs and ritual killings?
They are both the same offense. It is illegal to kill for ceremonial purposes or to gather plants for commercial purposes.
How do you feel about requests for state police?
We already have state police, in a sense. As a result of federal policy, recruits are now sent back to their local governments to serve their communities.
