By Ayomide Otitoju
Ibrahim Toyeeb, Kwara farmer and CEO of Versa Farms, Nigeria’s largest tomato farm, has condemned the recent surge of deadly attacks in Kwara South, calling for urgent intervention to safeguard lives and protect the region’s fragile economy.
Toyeeb, whose company is a major employer in the area, expressed deep concern over the killings, abductions, and displacement of residents. He warned that unless decisive action is taken, the insecurity could drive away investors and cripple livelihoods across the region.
His statement comes in the wake of coordinated attacks on communities including Oke-Ode in Ifelodun Local Government Area, which left scores dead, several injured, and many abducted.
The farmer also criticized the perceived inaction of federal representatives, Senator Oyelola Ashiru and Honourable Raheem Tunji Olawuyi, urging them to lead a coordinated response to restore security, protect residents, and revive investor confidence in Kwara South.
“Silence from those elected to protect us is not neutrality; it is, to us, abandonment,” Toyeeb said. He called for immediate measures including targeted security deployments, creation of a joint federal-state task force, humanitarian relief for displaced families, transparent investigations, and community-led protection initiatives.
He praised recent security measures announced by the state government but emphasized the need for sustained, intelligence-led operations that protect civilians and uphold the rule of law.
Highlighting the economic impact, Toyeeb added: “Insecurity is destroying Kwara South’s investment potential. If farms close and businesses pull out, families lose livelihoods, poverty deepens, and the area becomes economically crippled. Versa Farms employs hundreds; we are proof of what is possible if safety and stability are assured. This is why I am raising my voice: to protect not just farms, but futures.”
