Kwara Uncovers Attack Plan, Issues New Year Security Alert

The Kwara State Government has cautioned residents to stay alert throughout New Year celebrations and crossover church services, following intelligence indicating plans to attack public infrastructure and other vulnerable locations.

In a statement released on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Communications, Mrs Bolanle Olukoju, residents were advised to avoid unnecessary movement and large gatherings that could attract criminal activity.

According to the statement, the warning followed security reports suggesting that certain “bad faith actors” were planning attacks on government facilities and public spaces in retaliation for recent setbacks suffered from security operations.

“This advisory becomes necessary as intelligence reports show that some bad faith actors plan to hit government infrastructures or other soft targets to avenge recent losses they suffered” the statement read.

The government specifically urged heightened awareness during crossover services and New Year festivities, assuring residents that security agencies had been placed on high alert to protect lives and property across the state.

“The public is encouraged to exercise caution, avoid non-essential movements or large gatherings that may be targeted by kidnappers,” the statement added.

Residents were also encouraged to promptly report suspicious activities, particularly unusual movements involving individuals travelling in convoys of motorcycles.

Olukoju said the state government was collaborating closely with security agencies to sustain peace during the festive season, while appealing to residents to cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to residents’ safety and urged citizens to remain calm yet vigilant as they welcome the New Year.

“Citizens are advised to be vigilant, especially during the cross over services and the New Year holiday, while security forces will maintain their efforts to protect lives and property.

“Prompt report of unusual movements of persons on a convoy of motorcycles is encouraged,” the statement concluded.

Kwara State has recently experienced renewed security challenges, particularly in rural areas of Kwara South and parts of Kwara North, with incidents of kidnapping, armed banditry and attacks on places of worship reported.

One of the most troubling incidents occurred in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area, where bandits attacked the CAC Oke Isegun church during a thanksgiving service, abducting 38 worshippers and killing three people.

The attack sparked widespread outrage and heightened concerns over the safety of religious gatherings in the state, especially during late-night services and festive periods that typically attract large crowds.

Following the Eruku attack and similar incidents, the state government and security agencies intensified patrols, reassessed security arrangements around worship centres and border communities, and warned that criminal groups displaced from neighbouring states were attempting to establish bases within parts of Kwara.

Residents have consistently expressed concern about armed groups moving in motorcycle convoys, a pattern authorities say aligns with previous kidnapping and attack operations in the state.