The Nigerian Bar Association, Ilorin Branch under the leadership of SMH Kosemani Esq, strongly condemns in the strongest terms the senseless and brutal killing of no fewer than 14 innocent persons at Oke Ode on Sunday, 28th September, 2025. This heinous act is barbaric, unacceptable, and a gross violation of the sanctity of human life and the principles of the rule of law.

The NBA calls upon the Kwara State Government and all relevant security agencies to rise to their constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property, as clearly provided under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which makes the security and welfare of the people the primary purpose of government. Where citizens can be brutally killed in cold blood by assassins, it represents a serious lapse on the part of the government in fulfilling its primary constitutional duty of protecting lives and property, as enshrined in Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). The visit of the Governor to the affected community, though commendable, is not enough. The government must go further to ensure that the families of the deceased are adequately compensated for the painful and irreparable loss of their loved ones.

While we appreciate the proactive steps already taken by the Kwara State Government under the able leadership of His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, in responding to this tragic incident and in maintaining peace and order across the state, we must emphasise that more still needs to be done. The government must intensify efforts to prevent such occurrences in the future and ensure that the perpetrators of this atrocious act are speedily apprehended and brought to justice./p>

The Bar urges the State Government to act swiftly and decisively to prevent a recurrence of such tragic incidents. If this alarming situation is not promptly and effectively addressed, there is a real risk that it may escalate beyond control, threatening the peace and stability of the state.

The NBA Ilorin Branch commiserates with the families of the victims and the entire Oke Ode community. We stand in solidarity with them in this time of grief and reiterate our call for justice, accountability, and sustained security measures to ensure such a tragedy never repeats itself.

Y. O. Ahmed-Aliagan Esq.
Publicity Secretary, NBA, Ilorin Branch.