Chaos erupted in Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State on Monday as angry youths stormed the Emir’s Palace and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) office, setting both buildings ablaze in protest against rising cases of kidnappings in the community.

The youths, who had earlier blocked major roads and burned tyres, accused security agencies and traditional leaders of failing to address the worsening insecurity in the area.

The protest was sparked by the abduction of a popular agro-chemical dealer, widely known as Alhaji Chemical, who was kidnapped from his residence in the Taiwo area of the town around 1:00 a.m. on Sunday.

Eyewitnesses said the gunmen, believed to be bandits, arrived on motorcycles, overpowered local vigilantes with heavy gunfire, and whisked the businessman away.

Residents say his abduction adds to a growing list of kidnapping incidents that have left the community living in fear.

“We can’t sleep with our eyes closed anymore. People are being taken almost every week,” a resident lamented in a viral video from the scene of the protest.

The demonstrators, frustrated by what they described as the authorities’ inaction, vandalised parts of the Emir’s palace before setting the NDLEA office ablaze.

Reports also indicate that four detainees held at the NDLEA facility were freed during the chaos.

Confirming the incident, Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, disclosed that he visited the community alongside the Brigade Commander of 22 Brigade, Sobi, Ilorin to assess the situation.

“The protest was led by some miscreants who damaged parts of the Emir’s palace and set the NDLEA office on fire. They also released four suspects from NDLEA custody before fleeing when they saw the Police and Soldiers,” he said.

The Commissioner assured that security operatives, including Police, Soldiers, local hunters, and vigilantes, have intensified efforts to locate the kidnapped victims and restore calm to the area.

Residents continue to urge the government and security agencies to take immediate steps to end the persistent abductions and bring lasting peace to the community.