By Omotayo Toyeeb
The Vice President of the Baruten Progressive Association (BPA), Hon. Musa Idris Buko, has called for a comprehensive overhaul of the local government administrative structure in Kwara State as a strategic response to the rising wave of insecurity in the northern part of the state.
Speaking on Home Front, a civic accountability programme aired on Sobi FM 101.9 Ilorin, Hon. Buko said the creation of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) within Baruten and Kaiama Local Government Areas would decentralize governance, making the administration more effective and responsive to local needs.
According to him, both local governments, which together account for 49 per cent of the state’s total landmass, have become difficult to manage under the current administrative system, creating large ungoverned spaces now exploited by criminals and terrorist elements.
“The security crisis we are witnessing in Baruten and Kaiama is not unconnected to the vast, unmanned territories.
“The creation of LCDAs will not only make governance more accessible but also help facilitate development in these neglected areas,” he said.
Hon. Buko urged the Kwara State Government and the State House of Assembly to urgently initiate constitutional and legislative processes to establish new administrative councils within the affected local governments.
He also advocated for the suspension of the state Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) law, which centralizes local government funds, arguing that it hinders targeted development and security efforts in vulnerable LGAs like Baruten and Kaiama.
“The JAAC system as it stands makes it difficult for local governments to address their peculiar challenges. Suspending it for the purpose of security and strategic development in these areas is a necessity,” he added.
The BPA Vice President further emphasized the urgent need for the Federal Government to establish a well-equipped and responsive military unit in Kwara North.
He decried the lack of military presence in the region, pointing out that the closest military base is in New Bussa, Niger State a significant distance from the troubled communities.
“The absence of a dedicated military formation in Kwara North has left our people at the mercy of terrorists and kidnappers. A military post strategically located in Kaiama or Baruten will serve as a deterrent and rapid response base,” Hon. Buko said.
Kwara North, particularly Baruten and Kaiama LGAs, has recently come under the spotlight following increased reports of armed attacks, in Ilesha Baruba over the weekend, and the emergence of terrorist group “Mahmuda” in rural border communities with Benin republic and around the Borgu forest.
