Dear Kwara North,
This is the first of many letters from me to you.
I write concerning the recent cacophony of insecurity crises in your land. Of course, I am from Kwara South, but your agitation for the governorship, which is long overdue, makes me admire your decision, courage, and determination.
However, the recent massacres and unrest in your land are saddening and discouraging. I want to encourage you not to allow yourselves to be used for political purposes.
I hope all these incidents are not intended to sabotage your 2027 agitation.
It is crystal clear that insiders have started getting involved in this crisis. The region must do something drastic, and very quickly. I want to let you know that you are not alone; we share your pain, and together we call on relevant stakeholders to rise up and fight the insecurity in your land.
I believe they are trying to cause unrest in Kwara North so you won’t have time to focus on the elections, but nobody can cause anything in your land without the knowledge and cooperation of some indigenous members of the land.
For me, I don’t understand how some Kwara Northerners can be comfortable using their own land for this kind of unrest when everyone in Kwara South and Central is fighting for you, as it is your turn for the governorship seat.
I was in Kaiama a few weeks ago, and I was very afraid for my life. And that was before these incessant kidnappings started. Imagine how much more fearful people must be now.
I also believe that politicians may start to exploit tribal differences in the region to perpetrate evil. Stay strong. Nobody will support a divided people; in fact, nobody will take them seriously. Focus on quelling the unrest and insecurities in your land. Expunge your land of criminals and focus on the 2027 game.
Produce a candidate from your region, support him or her wholeheartedly, go through all the political gymnastics, and rally for support from other regions. Focus on negotiation.
I wish Kwara North all the best in 2027.
Taofik Adekunle Jimoh (JAAT) is the editor of News Bulletin Nigeria
