Traditional rulers from the Kwara North and Kwara South senatorial districts have held a town hall meeting to address critical issues of banditry, terrorism, regional cooperation, and political fairness in their areas. Both districts have recently faced numerous attacks by bandits and kidnappers, resulting in the loss of lives.

The meeting was convened by the Kwara North Traditional Rulers Council, led by the Etsu Patigi, Alhaji Umar Bologi II.

The theme of the town hall meeting, which took place at Ajase-Ipo, Irepodun Local Government Area, was, "Kwara Unity, Security and Kwara North 2027 Governorship Agitation."

The Etsu Patigi said the engagement was primarily aimed at strengthening unity and developing a coordinated security framework for communities across both senatorial districts.

The sensitive issue of political power rotation took centre stage, as Kwara South monarchs declared their support for their counterparts in the North's quest to produce the next governor of Kwara State in 2027, endorsing the move as just.

The unity shown between the monarchs is viewed as crucial for establishing the stronger community-based security structures recently advocated by stakeholders like SAN Wahab Shittu.

He noted that the two regions shared boundaries that had become entry routes for criminals, making collaboration unavoidable.

He called for "enhanced intelligence-sharing, stronger support for security agencies and sensitisation of residents against aiding criminal activities."

Beyond security matters, the Etsu Patigi reminded the gathering that since the return of democracy in 1999, Kwara South and Kwara Central have both produced governors, while Kwara North has not.

He appealed for Kwara South's support in ensuring equity and political inclusion in 2027.

Other emirs from Kwara North supported his position, stressing that deeper cooperation would help curb threats faced by the two regions.

Traditional leaders from Kwara South welcomed the initiative, describing it as long overdue.

They emphasised the need for improved support for local vigilantes and community policing efforts to further boost grassroots security operations.

Kwara South monarchs described the request as fair and deserving.

The Chairman of Kwara South Traditional Rulers, Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Yahaya Alebiosu, said the meeting was "historic and a welcome development."

Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Muhammed Gbadamosi, said Kwara North was not asking for too much by seeking their support.

The Alofa of Illofa, Oba Engr. Samuel Niyi Dada; the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Abdulraheem Oladele Adeoti; and the Elese of Igbaja, Oba (Dr.) Ahmed Babalola Awuni, also praised the engagement, saying it was one of the most impactful in recent times.

They urged federal and state authorities to sustain ongoing interventions aimed at tackling insecurity across Kwara.

The traditional rulers jointly commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for their commitment to strengthening security and for their continued support to the traditional institution.