The Emir of Tsaragi in Kwara State, Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi Kpotwa Goshi II, has ordered the arrest of Musa Saidu Tsaragi, leader of the Take-It-Back Movement (TIB) in the state, following a peaceful protest against kidnapping and banditry in the community.
Saidu, who spoke in an interview with SaharaReporters, alleged that the monarch became unsettled by Sunday’s demonstration in Tsaragi, Edu Local Government Area, where he coordinated alongside other youths.
He explained that on Monday he was invited to the Emir’s palace, where he was harassed and accused of being behind the protest that saw demonstrators storm the palace gates.
“On Sunday I led a protest of kidnapping and banditry in the Taragi community, and it was peaceful and we’ll coordinate,” Saidu said.
“So yesterday evening, the Emir of Taragi, His Royal Highness Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi Kpotwa Goshi II, called a meeting that the police of Taragi Division should get me arrested while I led a protest to his palace,” he added.
“I was invited on Monday by one Ismail Makama to the Emir and when I went there he harassed me to the extent that he was abusing me.”
“So it was yesterday now that he ordered the Taragi police to get me arrested.”
“He also called the Imam of Limangkoto. called the AEDC head and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for the meeting to ask why I led the protest.”
“I want to inform you that Estu Tsaragi said the police should arrest me because I led a protest yesterday.”
The protesters demanded that Fulani settlers vacate Tsaragi land and urged the Etsu to convey their grievances to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, whom they accused of failing to protect communities in Kwara North.
Chanting solidarity songs, the youths decried incessant kidnappings and killings that have rocked the area in recent months. Their demonstration came hours after armed bandits abducted a local businessman, Suleiman Ndana, during a midnight raid on the town.
Residents told it was reported that Ndana had managed to contact security operatives before the attackers broke into his residence, but no response came. According to them, the victim attempted to hide in his backyard to make the distress call when the gunmen stormed the compound, shooting sporadically.
One of the protesters said the attackers found Ndana’s pregnant wife inside the house and tried to abduct her, but he surrendered himself to save her.
The youths called on the state government to take urgent action to restore peace and protect Tsaragi residents from further attacks.
It was earlier reported the abduction of Ndana, noting that the attackers operated for several minutes before whisking him away to an unknown destination.
His abduction has since thrown the community into a state of fear and uncertainty.
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