Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has come under intense public criticism after hosting an extravagant birthday celebration for his son, Abdul, in London on October 31, at a time when insecurity continues to grip several communities in his state.

The opulent event, attended by top politicians, family members, and close associates, reportedly featured luxury dining and entertainment. Governor AbdulRazaq and his wife, Olufolake, were seen together at the high-profile celebration.

The governor’s overseas festivities have drawn sharp rebukes from residents, who described the timing as insensitive and tone-deaf, especially given the recent surge in kidnappings and bandit attacks in Kwara South and North senatorial districts.

“While our people are being kidnapped daily, the governor is busy partying in London. This is a betrayal of public trust,” a resident, who requested anonymity, told SaharaReporters.

Security Concerns in Kwara

Several communities, including Ifelodun, Irepodun, Ekiti, Edu, Patigi, Kaiama, and Baruten, have been repeatedly targeted by armed bandits and suspected Fulani herders in recent weeks. Farmers have abandoned farmlands, and residents have fled their homes due to the ongoing threat.

On September 28, 2025, terrorists attacked Oke-Ode in Ifelodun Local Government Area, killing at least 10 local vigilante members and abducting five others. A source described the situation as “terrible,” noting that Nigerian soldiers who had previously been stationed in the area were withdrawn, leaving communities exposed.

Similarly, Igbonla community in Irepodun LGA was raided late at night, with several residents abducted after gunmen fired sporadically to instill fear. Security forces, including police and vigilante groups, have since been deployed to the area.

Government Spending Controversy

Adding to public anger, a recent review of Kwara State’s Q3 Budget Implementation Report shows that the AbdulRazaq administration spent over N1.4 billion on foreign travel and transportation during the first nine months of 2025.

According to the report, the 2025 budget allocated N5.26 billion for “International Travel & Transport (Others),” with N534 million spent in the third quarter alone. Critics argue that such spending priorities are particularly troubling amid escalating insecurity and economic challenges in the state.

Official Response

Governor AbdulRazaq’s press secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, acknowledged the severity of the Oke-Ode attack, describing it as “devastating beyond words”. He noted that the situation could have been worse without the efforts of the forest guards and urged patience from residents.