Days after deadly terrorist attacks that claimed the lives of numerous villagers across Kwara State, Senator Lola Ashiru, Deputy Majority Leader of the Nigerian Senate, announced his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in the state.
Ashiru’s declaration comes amid heightened public outrage and grief following the killing of forest guards in Koro Community, Ekiti Local Government Area, and a devastating attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area, where more than 170 people were reportedly killed by terrorists linked to Boko Haram.
The senator, who represents Kwara South Senatorial District, formally announced his governorship ambition while addressing executive members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in his hometown of Offa Local Government Area.
Speaking to journalists, Ashiru said he had carefully reflected on the state of affairs in Kwara and concluded that he possesses the experience, exposure and credentials required to govern the state effectively from 2027.
“I have come into this race. Before now, I have not come out openly to say I will contest, but insha Allah, I am going to contest,” Ashiru said. “I believe I have the best of credentials to rule Kwara State for the next four years starting in 2027, and I believe I probably understand the people and the place called Kwara because I have been here longer than any contestant.”
His announcement, however, has stirred debate, coming at a time when residents of Kwara South and North are still grieving victims of repeated terrorist and bandit attacks along the state’s porous borders.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that a forest guard, identified as Samuel, was killed during a violent attack on Koro community in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The incident reportedly occurred after forest guards received intelligence about a possible invasion by armed men believed to be bandits. The operatives moved into the community to pre-empt the attack but were ambushed by the assailants.
During the encounter, Samuel was reportedly shot dead. Residents said the attackers, who were heavily armed, later set more than five motorcycles ablaze.
Last week, SaharaReporters also reported that dozens of people were brutally massacred in a coordinated attack by suspected Sahel-backed terrorists on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Among those killed in the bloody onslaught were two wives of the Emir of Woro, several of his children, the Chief Imam of Woro, a school principal, a headmistress, and students who had just returned home from school.
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