The Lafiagi Descendants Development Union, LADDU, has distanced itself from the proposed protest against kidnappings in Lafiagi Emirate, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State.
In a statement issued on Friday by its National President, Dr Abdullahi Jibril Mohammed, the socio-cultural group appealed to the organisers to reconsider the plan, warning that such a protest could be hijacked by “undesirable elements” within the community.
“While the Lafiagi Descendants Development Union (LADDU) is not involved in the planned protest against kidnapping in Lafiagi Emirate, we respectfully urge the organisers to carefully consider the risk of the protest being hijacked by undesirable elements within our midst,” the statement read in part.
The group acknowledged the growing public concern over the surge in kidnappings and the trauma inflicted on residents but maintained that LADDU has been actively engaging with both state and federal authorities to address the worsening security situation.
According to Mohammed, there are multiple ongoing and planned interventions by security agencies and the government aimed at tackling the menace, with assurances of positive outcomes in due course.
The union, therefore, urged organisers of the protest to collaborate with the state government, security operatives, and other stakeholders, allowing time for ongoing efforts to yield results.
It further advised that energies should be channelled into exposing collaborators within communities who aid kidnappers, while also supporting the community-led security model and working with the Emirate Security Committee and military personnel already deployed in the area.
“Let us channel our collective resolve into coordinated action that will combat kidnapping and restore lasting peace to our communities,” the statement added.
