EMERGING SECURITY CONCERNS AND RECENT INCIDENT IN ODO-ORE COMMUNITY, MEDINA AREA, ILORIN AN OPEN LETTER TO GOV ABDULRAHMAN ABDULRAZAQ
Your Excellency Sir,
I write to respectfully draw your attention to a growing security concern in parts of Kwara State, particularly Ilorin, which require urgent and proactive intervention in line with your administration’s “SaferKwara” vision.
There have been increasing reports from residents and community stakeholders regarding the activities of a group commonly referred to as the Muhammad Awwal Jabata sect (Jabatiyya). While the group reportedly began around 2003 under the guise of religious propagation, recent developments suggest a shift toward actions that may pose risks to public peace and safety.
Over time, concerns have been raised by former associates of the group and community members through various platforms, including social media (Facebook and Whatsapp) and local radio stations, alleging acts of intimidation, violence, and disorderly conduct. However, these concerns appear not to have received sufficient official attention.
A recent incident at Odo-Ore Community, Medina area, Ilorin has further heightened apprehension. The sequence of events, as reported by community members, is outlined below:
1. It was alleged that some members of the group residing in Odo-Ore Community had been engaging in acts considered disorderly by other residents.
2. A specific incident reportedly involved an eight-year-old child, said to be associated with the group, who assaulted a four-year-old child from another family in the community.
3. In response, the mother of the younger child approached the mother of the older child to lodge a complaint. However, rather than addressing the issue, the complaint was reportedly dismissed, leading to tension between the families.
4. Concerned about maintaining peace, community members, including local leaders, made efforts to engage the group in dialogue and call for a truce.
5. It was further reported that, instead of de-escalation, additional members of the group were invited from outside the community, including areas such as Sobi, Agbo-Oba, and Okolowo, arriving late at night.
6. According to accounts from residents, the situation escalated into violence, during which the Magaji of Odo-Ore Community was attacked and sustained serious injuries through machete cut on his head.
The matter has been reported to the Police Headquarters in Ilorin, with some suspects currently in custody.
Furthermore, members of the group often assemble at Islamic Village, Ilorin, where certain extremist ideologies are disseminated. The sect often said that, if they had the power to Islamise Ilorin, Muslims who do not subscribe to their ideology would be killed, while Christians would be subjected to paying tributes. There are evidences of this assertions in recorded lectures by their leader, Muhammad Awwal Jabata. While these claims require proper verification, they raise grave concerns and underscore the urgent need for discreet intelligence gathering and appropriate scrutiny by relevant security agencies.
Your Excellency sir, while isolated incidents may sometimes appear manageable, the pattern and persistence of such reports suggest the need for a more comprehensive review. There is growing concern that, if not addressed decisively, the situation could escalate into a broader security challenge.
In this regard, we respectfully urge your administration to:
1. Direct relevant security agencies to thoroughly investigate these allegations.
2. Strengthen intelligence gathering around areas of concern, including reported meeting points.
3. Engage community leaders and stakeholders to foster early warning mechanisms.
4. Ensure that all individuals or groups found culpable are dealt with in accordance with the law.
We remain confident in your commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Kwara State and trust that timely intervention will reinforce public confidence in the government’s security framework.
Please accept the assurances of our highest regard and continued support for your administration’s efforts toward a safer Kwara.
Signed:
Mall. Musa Abubakar(Baba Magaji):- 08032155811
Mall. Moshood Akanbi (fmr community sec):- 07060883628