The Emir of Yashikira in Kwara State, Alhaji Umaru Usman Seriki Saabi Kpassi II, has come under criticism after appearing in a full-page newspaper advert commending President Bola Tinubu and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq over the outcome of the APC governorship primary in the state.
The monarch, whose wives and children were recently abducted by suspected terrorists, joined other first-class traditional rulers from Baruten Local Government Area in congratulating the leaders for what they described as a peaceful and successful primary election that reportedly secured the zoning of the APC governorship ticket to Baruten.
The advert sparked widespread anger among residents, many of whom accused the traditional rulers of placing partisan politics above the worsening insecurity ravaging communities in the area.
Critics described the endorsement as insensitive, especially coming shortly after suspected bandits attacked the Emir’s palace in Yashikira, abducted members of his family and set parts of the palace on fire during a midnight raid.
Residents argued that traditional rulers should instead be mounting pressure on authorities and security agencies to rescue kidnapped victims and address the deteriorating security situation across Kwara North.
One resident expressed disappointment over the development, saying the monarchs ought to have rejected the advert given the painful circumstances surrounding the recent attacks in the community.
The attack on Yashikira reportedly occurred on Monday night when armed bandits stormed the community, invaded the police divisional headquarters and the Emir’s palace, and abducted at least 10 persons, including two of the monarch’s wives and several children.
The worsening insecurity in Baruten Local Government Area has also affected political activities in the region. Reports indicated that APC governorship candidate and Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, avoided visiting his hometown of Gwanara during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations because of fears over repeated terrorist attacks.
Residents of Kwara North have continued to accuse political leaders and the state assembly of neglecting the region’s security crisis, lamenting that despite years of attacks, kidnappings and displacement, there has been little visible government intervention or legislative action to tackle the situation.
