Kwara – A reported death of a traditional ruler in Kwara State has put the state and indeed, the nation back on edge, concerning the prevailing security problem in the country and reignited debates on whether enough is being done to ensure the safety of rural populations from the pervasive danger of kidnapping and crime.
Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu, the PDP’s governorship candidate in the state, conveyed his condolences to the people of Olayinka community in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state following the reported killing of Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda, after he was reportedly captured by kidnappers.
The news has caused alarm throughout Kwara State and Nigeria at large.
Kwara Monarch Reportedly Dies After Weeks in Captivity
It was learned on Wednesday, that the traditional ruler was captured several weeks ago by some gunmen, and during his confinement, members of the Olayinka community were said to have put together a huge sum of money for his release.
It was learned that, around 21 million along with other things was paid to the kidnappers for the release of their Oba. The Oba allegedly never returned to his community after the huge payment of their own money by the community members and well wishers, his family members, his chiefs, and the entire traditional institution are mourning their Oba.
This news has caused grief to all Kwara State community leaders who are still bothered by the numerous attack on traditional rulers, and innocent members of the society.
Kale Kawu Describes Incident as Heartbreaking
Reacting to the incident, Engr. Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu lamented the report of the death of the monarch, calling it startling, disturbing and regrettable.
He commiserated with the traditional family of the Oba, the indigenes of Olayinka Community as well as all citizens in Kwara state whom it may have affected. According to him: “The reported cause of the death of the Oba, Salman Olatunji Aweda is sorrowful and distressing.
It is regretful that even though sacrifices, reportedly, had to be made by his community members to ensure his freedom, the Oba did not return alive.”
Kawu added that it is a heavy loss to the monarch’s family and, importantly, to the traditional institution. “The traditional system remains crucial for the peace, unity and leadership in the state.”
Growing Security Concerns Across Kwara Communities
Kawu lamented the fact that the attack is indicative of the general security situation in the state and other communities that are facing similar challenges.
He lamented that; “The rate at which the life and property of community leaders, traditional rulers, farmers and residents are being attacked is becoming unbearable and the people are losing the courage to live peacefully in their communities”.
“The responsibility of the government is to secure lives and properties and that has been lost for a long time”, stated the PDP guber candidate and assured that decisive steps are need to restore hope.
The statement is in line with the opinion of residents who continue to express concerns over growing insecurity in some communities in Kwara state as it poses a threat to investment and productivity of agricultural resources.
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Call for Stronger Intelligence and Community Protection
Recommendations by Kawu included calling on the Kwara State Government, the security forces to beef up intelligence gathering, better coordination between security forces and adequate deployment of resources to communities at risk.
The call to the public was that they should remain vigilant and keep cooperating with the security forces, by feeding security forces with relevant information to combat crimes from the prevention stage.
Security experts on several occasions stressed that it is the cooperation of the community and intelligence feeding as well as response that has played a significant role in curbing kidnapping and other rural violence.
Traditional Institutions Under Increasing Threat
The murder of Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda has brought to the forefront the debate about the security of traditional rulers throughout Nigeria. Monarchs function as guardians of culture, arbiters of community conflicts and vital actors in grassroots governance.
They have been at the receiving end of attacks by criminals and this is making many stakeholders to demand additional protection for traditional rulers.
Experts maintain that security must be restored at the grassroots and this will involve a concerted effort of the government, security agencies, traditional leaders and community members.
Western Nigeria Continues to Monitor Security Developments
As a nation, and specifically the Western Nigeria, we know that insecurity is one of the biggest issues challenging the growth of economy, agriculture, education and the development of communities.
Such incident results not only in grieving families but discourages investment, hinders agriculture and reduces the people’s trust in government institutions.
It is expected that in the course of investigations into the incident, Nigerians will be relieved and assured of the bringing to justice of the perpetrators of this wicked act and ensuring meaningful reforms to forestall its future occurrence.
But for the indigenes of Olayinka community, the demise of their traditional king is a painful reminder of the human consequences of insecurity.
May the soul of Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda, the traditional king of Olayinka community rest in peace. May his family, his community and all those affected by this sad and touching event find solace.
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