Political Violence in Kwara: Take It Back Movement State Coordinator Brutally Attacked Over Peaceful Protest Against Kidnappings and Banditry — Movement Condemns Assault and Demands Immediate Justice

PRESS STATEMENT

28th February, 2026

Political Violence in Kwara: Take It Back Movement State Coordinator Brutally Attacked Over Peaceful Protest Against Kidnappings and Banditry — Movement Condemns Assault and Demands Immediate Justice

The Kwara State Chapter of the Take It Back Movement strongly condemns the violent and politically motivated attack on its State Coordinator, Comrade Musa Saidu Tsaragi.

This attack occurred in Tsaragi community shortly after the peaceful protest that marked the beginning of sustained civic action against the rising wave of insecurity, kidnappings, and killings in Kwara North, a crisis that has reportedly claimed over 200 lives and resulted in more than 170 abductions this year alone.

On February 28, 2026, at about 1:45 PM, Comrade Musa Saidu Tsaragi was attacked near his residence by suspected APC thugs led by Mohamed Buhari Makama Tsaragi and four others.

During the assault, the attackers questioned why he led a protest concerning the kidnappings in Woro community and why he called on the Kwara State Government to remove a suspected bandit family from the NYSC camp in Yipkta and restore the camp to its proper function.

He was violently kicked in the eye and beaten until members of the community intervened and rescued him. He immediately reported the incident at the Tsaragi Police Division and submitted a formal statement to the Divisional Police Officer. As of the time of this release, no concrete action has been taken.

We state unequivocally: peaceful protest is a constitutional right. Demanding security for our people is not a crime. Speaking against killings and abductions is not an offence.

We call on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to:

1. Publicly condemn this attack without delay.
2. Direct security agencies to immediately arrest and prosecute all those involved without delay.
3. Guarantee the safety of Comrade Musa Saidu Tsaragi and all members of the Movement across the state.

Any attempt to intimidate, silence, or brutalize citizens for demanding security will be resisted through lawful and peaceful means.

The people of Kwara deserve protection from kidnappers and bandits, not political violence for demanding accountability.

The Kwara State Chapter of the Take It Back Movement remains resolute. We will not be intimidated. Our demand is simple: security, justice, and accountability.

Signed,
Comrade Musa Saidu Tsaragi
State Coordinator
Take It Back Movement
Kwara State Chapter