A security expert and stakeholder in the fight against insurgency, Comrade Salihu Dantata Mahmud, has dismissed reports of a major crisis in Shiya, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, describing the incident that occurred on Sallah Day as a minor misunderstanding.
Mahmud, in a statement on Friday, said the situation was promptly addressed and resolved at the community level, warning against attempts to portray the incident as a major security threat.
According to him, a prominent contender for the Shiya traditional stool, Mohammed 007, immediately condemned the actions of the suspects involved and reported the matter to the Shiya Police Outpost, where it was amicably settled.
He, however, questioned the decision of the Divisional Police Officer in Okuta to escalate the matter to the state command, despite what he described as a peaceful resolution of the dispute.
Mahmud argued that security agencies should concentrate on tackling the growing threats posed by insurgents and kidnappers operating across the border communities rather than elevating minor communal disagreements.
He commended the Inspector-General of Police, Ridwan Olatunji Disu, for what he described as successes recorded in the fight against banditry and kidnapping through coordinated operations involving specialised police squads and state commands.
The security expert also expressed respect for the Kwara State Commissioner of Police but urged divisional police officers to embrace conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
“If a simple communal issue cannot be resolved at the divisional level, then questions must be asked about the relevance of divisional headquarters in handling local disputes,” he said.
Mahmud further alleged that the incident was part of a plot by political opponents of Mohammed 007 to implicate him, adding that developments following his invitation by the police command had exposed what he termed “unseen forces” behind the matter.
He maintained that policing should be guided by a human-faced approach capable of promoting peace and stability within communities.
The security expert called on residents and stakeholders in the area to remain calm and continue supporting efforts aimed at maintaining peace in Shiya and other parts of Baruten Local Government Area.