The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has criticised Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for allegedly convening a security meeting with stakeholders in Kwara South under a mango tree.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Ilorin by its spokesperson, Olusola Adewara, the party described the gathering as “a wicked mockery of the traumatised people of Babanla, Ganmu Ahileri, and other communities grappling with unchecked insecurity across the state.”
The criticism follows Friday’s attack on Babanla community in Ifelodun Local Government Area, where armed bandits killed five people, including a police officer, Adejumo Wasiu. The assailants also attacked the Divisional Police Headquarters and raided the local market.
Adewara argued that a meeting held “under a mango tree” with a handful of All Progressives Congress (APC) members and security orderlies “was not a befitting response” to the worsening security situation in the state, particularly in Ifelodun.
According to the PDP, recent weeks have seen repeated attacks on communities within Ifelodun LGA, culminating in Friday’s incident in which “hundreds of armed bandits invaded the community market to loot foodstuffs, kill residents, and abduct victims, including security officers.”
The party said the attack reflected “a glaring failure of leadership” and expressed dismay that the governor had yet to visit Babanla to assess the damage, condole with bereaved families, or meet directly with affected residents.
“Instead of visiting the community, the governor chose to attend a symbolic gathering in Omu-Aran, in another local government area, which his aides described as a ‘Strategic Kwara South Security Meeting.’ What exactly was strategic about the meeting?” the statement queried.
The PDP dismissed the meeting as “a poorly stage-managed photo opportunity” that excluded key figures such as council chairmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and members of local vigilante groups.
The party further alleged that Governor Abdulrazaq had declined suggestions to visit Babanla and neighbouring communities, citing their distance and the poor condition of the access roads.
“If it were an election period, would he not have gone there to solicit votes? It shows the governor has no regard for the people who voted him into office,” the statement concluded.
