Tension is mounting in Kwara State following moves by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) against a political aide who publicly criticised top government officials over recent killings in Kaiama Local Government Area.
The aide, Zakari Hassan, has become the focal point of a growing controversy after a viral video in which he condemned what he described as inadequate government response to insecurity in parts of the local government, particularly Woro and Nuku communities.
Sources familiar with the situation disclosed that Hassan, who serves as Special Assistant on Youths to the Kaiama Local Government Chairman, Abubakar Abdullahi, has been invited by the Department of State Services for questioning. The invitation has sparked concerns among his associates and residents that he could be detained and possibly transferred to Ilorin, the state capital.
The development follows widespread circulation of a video in which Hassan spoke emotionally about the deteriorating security situation in Kaiama, accusing both federal and state authorities of neglecting the plight of affected communities.
According to sources, Hassan had earlier been arrested on the directive of the local government chairman shortly after posting the video online. However, his detention reportedly triggered immediate reactions from youths in the area, who mobilised and pressured authorities until he was released.
“The local government chairman ordered the arrest of the S.A. Youth today because he protested over the killings in Woro and Nuku,” a source said.
Another source confirmed that the earlier arrest was short-lived due to intervention from residents. “They arrested him before but he was released due to the intervention of the youths. It happened here in Kaiama,” the source added.
Despite his release, fresh developments indicate that the situation remains unresolved. Reports suggest that Hassan has been asked to appear again before DSS operatives, raising fears that he may face a more prolonged detention.
“They’ve invited him again. They said he should report to the DSS office today (Monday). We learned that they are plotting to detain him today and transfer him to Ilorin. This is on the orders of the Kwara State Government,” another source alleged.
The move has drawn criticism from some residents, who argue that authorities should focus more on addressing the security crisis rather than targeting individuals speaking out about it. Some described aspects of the process as unfair, particularly claims that Hassan was asked to compile names of victims of the attacks.
“The unfair part is that they told him to get the names of those killed and those kidnapped,” a source said.
In the video that triggered the controversy, Hassan expressed deep frustration over the killings and accused government officials of failing to respond adequately to the situation. He described the incidents in Woro and Nuku as devastating and alleged that the scale of the violence had been downplayed in official reports.
“Actually, the topic I want to discuss this afternoon is so disheartening and heartbreaking. I am deeply disappointed in the government of Kwara State, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,” he said in the video.
Hassan also criticised what he described as silence among political leaders, suggesting that some individuals were unwilling to speak out due to personal interests or positions.
“We shouted and continued to shout that Kaiama is not at peace,” he said, adding that community members had repeatedly raised alarm over insecurity without receiving adequate response.
He further alleged significant casualties and abductions during the attacks, claiming that hundreds of people were affected. “We saw what happened in Woro. About 200 people died. It was mass murder in a single day, with 176 people taken captive. We witnessed it,” he stated.
Hassan also challenged media reports that he believed understated the severity of the attacks, insisting that the reality on the ground was far worse than what had been publicly acknowledged.
In a direct address to Kashim Shettima, he used strong language to express his dissatisfaction, saying he was prepared to face consequences for speaking out. He also criticised AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, accusing the state government of failing to live up to its responsibilities.
The remarks have since generated widespread reactions across Kwara State, with opinions divided between those who support his outspokenness and others who consider his statements excessive.
Meanwhile, residents of Kaiama and surrounding communities continue to express concern over the security situation, calling on authorities to take urgent and decisive action to protect lives and restore order.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the DSS or the Kwara State Government regarding the invitation or the allegations surrounding Hassan’s possible detention.
The unfolding situation highlights growing tensions between citizens and authorities in areas affected by insecurity, as well as the broader challenges of balancing free expression with state security concerns.
