The Emir of Tsaragi in Kwara State, Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi Kpotwa Goshi II, has reportedly ordered the arrest of Musa Saidu Tsaragi, leader of the Take-It-Back Movement (TIB), following a peaceful protest against kidnapping and banditry in the community.
Saidu told SaharaReporters that the monarch was unsettled by Sunday’s demonstration in Tsaragi, Edu Local Government Area, where he joined other youths in coordinating the protest.
He explained that on Monday he was summoned to the Emir’s palace, where he was harassed and accused of orchestrating the protest, which saw demonstrators storm the palace gates.
“On Sunday I led a protest against kidnapping and banditry in the Tsaragi community, and it was peaceful,” Saidu said.
“Yesterday evening, the Emir of Tsaragi, His Royal Highness Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi Kpotwa Goshi II, called a meeting directing the Taragi Division police to arrest me while I led a protest to his palace,” he added.
Saidu said he was invited by one Ismail Makama to the Emir’s palace, where he faced verbal abuse. He added that the Emir also involved the local Imam, the AEDC head, and the Divisional Police Officer in the meeting, questioning him about the protest.
SaharaReporters had reported that Tsaragi youths staged a peaceful protest on Sunday to denounce worsening insecurity in the area, demanding that Fulani settlers vacate Tsaragi land and urging the Etsu to communicate their grievances to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The protest followed a midnight abduction of local businessman Suleiman Ndana by armed bandits. Residents said Ndana had tried to alert security operatives before the attack, but no response came. The gunmen stormed his residence, shooting sporadically, and attempted to abduct his pregnant wife, but Ndana surrendered himself to save her.
The youths called on the state government to act swiftly to restore peace and protect residents from further attacks. Ndana’s abduction has left the community in fear and uncertainty.
