Forest Guards Killings in Kwara Highlight Growing Security Concerns — DG NILDS

By Julian Osamoto

The Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Professor Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman, has condemned the killing of forest guards and residents in Ogbayo, Oke-Ode, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

In a statement released on October 1, 2025, through his media aide, Mohammad Abdulkadri, Professor Sulaiman while, warning that the incident reflects Nigeria’s deepening insecurity, described the slain forest guards as heroes who paid the ultimate price in defence of their community.

“The gallantry displayed against the assailants is a priceless sacrifice in defence of humanity,” he said, urging residents to remain calm but vigilant while supporting ongoing security operations.

Prof Sulaiman commended the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for efforts to curb banditry in the state, stressing that insecurity in Kwara South and North requires urgent and sustained action.

The former Minister of National Planning also called for a stronger partnership between communities and security agencies, warning that banditry continues to threaten rural development, food security, and peace in the region.

He prayed for the victims’ families to have the strength to bear the loss and asked God to deliver Kwara and Nigeria from what he described as “the clutches of criminal actors.”