In the early hours of Tuesday, tragedy struck in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State when bandits launched a deadly attack that claimed the lives of several residents, including Salihu Bio Khalid, a Midwifery student at the Kwara State College of Nursing Sciences (KWASCONS). Khalid, who had previously served as the President of the Student Union Government (SUG) at the college, was remembered fondly by his peers and the broader student community for his dedication to student welfare and leadership.
Khalid was not alone in his untimely death. His brother was also reportedly killed in the attack, leaving the family devastated and the local community in mourning. The assault, which occurred late in the night, has drawn widespread condemnation from across the state, as residents grapple with the escalating insecurity that has plagued the region in recent months.
The National Association of Nigeria Comrades (NANC), Kwara Axis, issued a statement expressing their deep sorrow over the loss. In the statement, the association recognized Khalid’s outstanding contributions to the student movement and leadership, noting, “Senator Salihu Bio Khalid’s contributions to the student movement will remain indelible in our collective memory.” The group also called on the Kwara State Government and relevant security agencies to take urgent action to safeguard the lives of students and residents, urging stronger security measures in student-populated areas and key transit routes.
The sentiments of grief were echoed by the Kwara State Speaker, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, who condemned the attack and called for a more aggressive military response in the affected areas, particularly along the border with Niger State. Danladi-Salihu’s statement stressed the importance of local communities working closely with security forces to combat the rising tide of criminality, which has threatened the safety of both students and civilians.
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Similarly, Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central in the National Assembly, also reacted strongly to the attack. In a press release, he described the act of banditry as “senseless” and underscored the need for unity among Nigerians, along with enhanced cooperation between the military and local populations. Senator Mustapha advocated for the deployment of additional troops to the affected communities to quell the growing violence and restore peace.
The political and humanitarian response to the attack was not limited to state officials. The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condemned the incident, calling it “despicable, inhuman, and callous.” The party urged the state government to provide immediate support to the victims’ families, including humanitarian aid, relief materials, and medical assistance. Additionally, they pressed for swift action from law enforcement to track down the perpetrators and ensure they are held accountable.
Kwara State has faced growing concerns over insecurity, with various communities across the state experiencing similar attacks in recent months. The attack in Kaiama highlights the dire need for effective security interventions, as well as broader social support systems to mitigate the impact of such violence on residents and institutions alike. Students, in particular, have found themselves at the crossroads of this escalating crisis, with many expressing fears about their safety on campuses and in transit.
Khalid’s death has not only shocked the student body at KWASCONS but also sparked a wider conversation on the state of security in Kwara and other parts of Nigeria. The student community is calling for greater protection and a renewed commitment from both state and federal authorities to tackle the root causes of banditry and related criminal activities that have undermined public safety.
