By Achile Danjuma
Leaders of the Kaiama and Baruten communities of Kwara State, alongside a prominent development practitioner, have issued a strong message to both the state and federal governments, alleging a deliberate conspiracy to downplay a spiraling security crisis that has seen over 200 people abducted in recent months.
Speaking today at a joint press conference organized by the Kaiama Development Association (KDA) and the Batombu Unity and Development Initiative, Abuja (BUDIA), Dr. Hussein Abdul lent his voice to the communities’ urgent plea for federal and state intervention. However, he went further, asserting that the crisis is being exacerbated by political indifference and a calculated effort to suppress information.
”The level of exclusion we are seeing in these communities is hardly replicated in any other local government in this country,” Dr. Abdul stated. “The irresponsibility of the Kwara State government is immeasurable. Discussing this situation often becomes emotional because the leadership appears insensitive to the plight of its citizens.”
Dr. Abdul, who has been involved in major humanitarian responses across Nigeria, contextualized the crisis within the political dynamics of the region. He argued that the communities’ minority status renders them vulnerable to neglect and active silencing.
”This is happening because they are a minority,” he explained. “There are gatekeepers downplaying the severity of the situation because they believe that giving it attention would equate to assessing their own performance.”
VP’s Visit Hijacked
In a particularly damning revelation, Dr. Abdul detailed an incident involving Vice President Kashim Shettima, who he claimed had intended to visit the affected communities to witness the crisis firsthand.
”At the wake of these challenges, the Vice President went to Kwara State with the intention of visiting these communities to see for himself what is actually happening,” Dr. Abdul recounted. “However, he was hijacked at the Government House in Ilorin by the Governor. The meeting with the community elders was forced to take place there, effectively blocking the VP from seeing the reality on the ground.”
Dr. Abdul drew a sharp contrast with the response that would be triggered if a larger ethnic group were targeted, noting that over 200 people have been abducted from Kaiama and Baruten with virtually no national media coverage.
”The minority status of these communities reflects the toxic dynamics in the context of Nigerian politics,” he said. “If this had happened to any of the major ethnic groups, it would remain in the national discussion until they are rescued. Here, it’s completely absent from our newspapers because they are of the minority.”
A Call to Action
Despite the grim assessment, Dr. Abdul concluded by affirming his solidarity with the community leaders. He praised their courage in organizing the press conference as a critical step to bypass the “gatekeepers” and bring the issue directly to the attention of the appropriate authorities.
”I am assuring the leadership of these communities of my support as a development practitioner who understands this situation nationally and internationally, he concluded.