The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) youth wing in Kwara State has urged the state government to intensify security measures across schools and communities. Daily Trust reports that the demand comes on the heels of the recent release of abducted residents of Woro and Nuku communities in the state. But the party warned that the recent rescue of kidnapped residents should mark the beginning, rather than the end, of a broader response to insecurity. The PDP youth made the demand in Ilorin while commemorating the International Youth Day. According to the state Youth Leader, Adio Friday Odunjo, security agencies must be praised for their recent efforts to rescue victims of kidnapping in the state. Odunjo, however, said successful rescue operations must be followed by measures capable of preventing fresh attacks and addressing the consequences suffered by victims and affected communities. “Rescue must not be the end of the story. Rescue must be followed by rehabilitation, justice, prevention, and institutional learning, so that we do not find ourselves confronting the same tragedy again,” he said. The group expressed particular concern over the disruption of education in parts of the state. It argued that insecurity was increasingly forcing institutions and students to bear the consequences of inadequate security. It cited the continued closure of the State School of Nursing, Oke Ode, the relocation of the NYSC orientation camp from Yikpata in Edu Local Government Area to Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, and the merger of the Kwara State College of Education, Oro, with its Ilorin counterpart. The PDP youth also raised concern over the recent arrangement involving the merger of more than four schools for the conduct of the National Examinations Council (NECO) examination. They described the developments as evidence of the wider impact of insecurity on education. Odunjo said the state must not allow insecurity to become a permanent feature of life in Kwara. He insisted that every institution affected by security threats deserved a clearly defined recovery plan. “Every school closure caused by insecurity must have a clearly communicated security plan, academic support programme and safe reopening strategy,” he said. The youth leader said their demands were not unrealistic, but centred on effective leadership, accountability and coordinated action between the state government and federal security agencies. “We are not asking the government to perform miracles. We are asking for responsible leadership, measurable action and transparent governance,” he said. He urged the state government to seek additional federal assistance where necessary and strengthen collaboration with security agencies to protect vulnerable communities and institutions. The group also linked the security challenge to youth unemployment, calling for greater economic opportunities for young people as part of measures to address the broader conditions that could fuel insecurity. “Where young people need jobs, the government must create opportunities. Where public funds are spent, citizens must be able to track them. Where teachers have legitimate concerns, the government must listen,” Odunjo said. He added that institutions shut because of insecurity should not be left in prolonged uncertainty. According to him, there must be a clear and publicly communicated pathway towards safe reopening. The PDP youth further called on young people in Kwara to reject political apathy, stressing that their involvement in governance should extend beyond voting during elections. “Politics is about whether your community is safe. It is about whether you can attend school safely. It is about whether you can find decent employment. It is about whether public money is properly spent,” Odunjo said. According to him, young people must also demand accountability from elected officials and participate constructively in decisions affecting their communities. “International Youth Day reminds us of something very important: Young people are not merely leaders of tomorrow. We are stakeholders today. “We have a right to participate, ask questions, demand accountability and with responsibility to contribute constructively to the development of our state”, he stated. The PDP youth leader said the group would continue to advocate responsible governance through peaceful and constitutional means, while urging the government to respond to citizens’ concerns with concrete action.
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