Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has accused the Kwara State government, led by Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, of suppressing facts and figures related to the insecurity ravaging the state.

Speaking at the Peoples Democratic Party’s state congress in Ilorin on Saturday, Mr Saraki said the government had failed to secure the people and had instead focused on attacking the opposition.

“The state government is living in denial; it is suppressing facts and figures and instead focusing on opposition,” said Mr Saraki. “Do what you’re elected to do: secure the lives of the people. No responsible government or party will play politics with security.”

“As politicians, we must say the truth: this government has failed in providing security to the people.”

Mr Saraki decried incessant killings and kidnappings, especially in the Kwara North and South, leading to the displacement of people. He boasted that the state was peaceful during his time as the governor.

The former governor stated, “In the last seven months, over 70 people have been killed in Kwara North and Kwara South, 50 people sustaining injuries, and 42 people kidnapped.

“During the tenure of my predecessors—Governor Adamu Attah, Governor Shaaba Lafiagi, and Governor Mohammed Lawal—as well as my own tenure, and even that of my immediate successor, Abdulfatai Ahmed, Kwara did not experience this ugly insecurity. Unfortunately, the present government has failed to tow the right path in protecting the lives and property of Kwarans.”

While insisting that insecurity in the state should not be seen as a national issue because it does not affect neighboring states, Mr Saraki warned it would turn Kwara into a one-town state if left unaddressed.

Mr Abdulrazaq’s chief press secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, could not be reached for comments on Mr Saraki’s allegations, as he did not respond to WhatsApp messages and phone calls.

The governor’s special adviser on communications, however, accused Mr Saraki of desperation, mocking the politician for playing petty politics with security issues in the state.

“Senator Bukola Saraki using security issues in Kwara to play politics at the Kwara PDP ‘jekuredi’ Congress today is so desperate,” Mr Abdullateef said in a Facebook post.

“He was rebuking Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu indirectly. It is noted. Our people reject the inconsiderate and desperate godfather.”

Killings and kidnapping for ransom have escalated in parts of Kwara, especially Ifelodun, Edu, and Patigi, with residents calling on government and security forces to step up efforts to address the crisis.