Scores of angry youths in Kajola village, within the Igbaja community of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State, have taken to the streets to protest the killing of Chief Lukman Balogun, the commandant of a local vigilante group. Balogun, who was a significant force against kidnappers in the area, held the title of Jagun of Elese Igbajaland and was regarded as a traditional ruler until his death on Monday evening.
The monarch of the community, Oba Ahmed Babalola, Arepo III, urged the protesters to remain calm, calling Jagun’s death a considerable loss to Igbajaland. He assured the youths that those responsible for the crime would be apprehended and brought to justice.
The youths have expressed their anger towards Bororo cattle herders, whom they accuse of being involved in the heinous act. The protests intensified following reports of another kidnapping incident in the area, where three residents were abducted. Balogun had been part of the team pursuing kidnappers who had previously targeted the community before he was killed.
“It was at Ogele-Yaaru road that our Balogun was killed,” a source stated.
Afolabi Lukman, Chairman of the state’s Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), praised the late security leader for his efforts in combating crime in Igbajaland, highlighting his collaboration with the police to enhance community safety. He urged the state government to bolster security measures, describing the incident as a significant setback for the state’s security framework.
