Youths in Isanlu-Isin, Kwara South Senatorial District, have issued a heartfelt "save our souls" appeal to federal, state, and local authorities, pleading for urgent intervention against the escalating menace of banditry and kidnapping in their community.

Under the banner of the Youth Forum, they expressed deep fear that continued insecurity may force them to abandon their ancestral homes in search of safer environments.

In a press statement delivered by their president, Alabede Solomon Olu, and copied to journalists in Ilorin, the group lamented the growing toll on lives and property caused by repeated attacks from armed criminals.

Olu recalled recent incidents in which residents were killed, homes destroyed, and motorcycles burned, leaving the community trapped in fear and economic despair.

"The youth are suffering," he said. "We cannot farm, trade, or move freely. If nothing changes, we may have no choice but to relocate."

The Youth Forum urged the Isin Local Government Authority, the Kwara State Government, and federal security agencies to intensify operations, establish permanent checkpoints, and deploy a Forward Operating Base (FOB) to deter further attacks.

"The National Assembly and the Federal Government should save our people from these invasions and attacks. Isanlu Isin was once one of the safest towns, but we are now under siege," the youths pleaded.

They advised: "All necessary steps must be taken to end banditry, kidnapping, and other related crimes."

According to Olu, the primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property, warning that unchecked insecurity often leads to economic hardship, food scarcity, and stagnated development.

He added that "insecurity discourages both local and foreign investors, weakens small and medium enterprises, disrupts supply chains, and forces farmers to abandon farmlands due to incessant attacks."

He emphasised that businesses often shut down in unsafe areas, resulting in job losses and exacerbating poverty.

"Since January 2025, the community has been crying over the presence of bandits in our forests, particularly along the Eleyin axis. Now, they have invaded the community in great numbers, sacking Fulani settlers and kidnapping some residents.

"Sadly, several victims are still in their custody," he added.

The forum appealed to the Kwara State government to strengthen local vigilante groups, boost intelligence gathering, and collaborate effectively with security operatives to curb the activities of criminals.

Olu warned that criminals are exploiting Kwara's peaceful atmosphere to hibernate and launch attacks, stressing that only coordinated government intervention, clear policies, and strategic planning can restore peace to Isanlu-Isin and its environs.