A leading agricultural entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer of Versa Farms, Nigeria’s largest tomato farm, Ibrahim Toyeeb, has condemned the renewed wave of killings and kidnappings across communities in Kwara South, warning that continued violence could turn the region into an economic wasteland.
Toyeeb, whose company employs hundreds of workers and anchors one of the region’s most vibrant agribusiness operations, described the attacks as “heart-wrenching” and accused political leaders of failing to show urgency in the face of human suffering and economic decline.
The farmer’s statement follows fresh coordinated assaults on communities in Ifelodun Local Government Area and nearby settlements — including Oke-Ode — which reportedly left dozens dead, scores injured, and several residents abducted.
“I mourn every life taken. I mourn every family uprooted. I mourn every field left untended. My people sleep in fear. Silence from those elected to protect us is not neutrality; it is, to us, abandonment,” Toyeeb said in a passionate statement.
He urged Senator Lola Ashiru and Hon. Tunji Olawuyi to demonstrate leadership by convening urgent security consultations and pressing the federal government to act decisively.
“Why has this situation not been mentioned boldly on the floor of the National Assembly? Representation without advocacy is no representation at all,” he declared.
Toyeeb stressed that his remarks were not politically motivated, but rather a call for coordinated and practical action to stem the bloodshed and restore confidence in the region’s safety.
He called for the deployment of targeted security reinforcements to affected communities; identifying and securing vulnerable points, and establishing a joint federal-state security task force with clear lines of command and public reporting.
Conduct rapid humanitarian assessments and provide urgent relief to displaced families, launch a transparent investigation into the attacks and publish a time-bound action plan, and convene local leaders, security officials and civil society to create community-led protection measures.
Toyeeb also appealed to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to sustain recent interventions and ensure that military deployments are matched with civilian protection measures and humanitarian support.
Highlighting the economic toll of insecurity, Toyeeb warned that the attacks were crippling investor confidence in Kwara South.
“Insecurity is destroying Kwara South’s investment potential,” he said. “If farms close and businesses pull out, families lose their livelihoods, poverty deepens, and the area becomes economically crippled. Poor representation has left our people voiceless at the centre.”
He added that Versa Farms’ continued operation was proof of what is possible when safety and stability are assured.
“I raise my voice not just to protect farms but to protect futures,” he concluded.
