Kwara relocates NYSC orientation camp over security concerns

The Kwara State Government has announced the temporary relocation of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Permanent Orientation Camp from Yikpata, Edu Local Government Area, to the Kwara State Polytechnic campus along Old Jebba Road in Ilorin.

The move comes in response to growing security concerns in parts of the state, following recent incidents of violent attacks, abductions, and killings by suspected bandits.

Confirming the development at a press conference in Ilorin on Thursday, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Joshua Onifade, explained that the decision was taken to safeguard corps members and ensure a smooth orientation exercise.

“The NYSC management wishes to appreciate the unrelenting efforts of the state government and the various security operatives in resolving the insecurity challenges in some parts of the state.

“The decision to temporarily relocate the camp is to substantially allay the fears of our prospective corps members, especially those who will be visiting the state for the first time,” he said.

Onifade explained that the move became necessary due to security threats around the Yikpata camp.

“I commend Governor AbdulRahman for this proactive decision and for always ensuring that the issues of corps members’ welfare remain his utmost priority,” he added.

Recall that the orientation exercise for the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream 2 corps members is set to begin nationwide on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, with about 1,800 participants expected in Kwara for the 21-day programme.

The relocation was announced amid continuing reports of bandit attacks in the state. It was earlier reported that armed men killed a vigilante commander, identified as Tetengi, in Kakafu village, Lade District, Patigi Local Government Area, on Wednesday night.

Tetengi was said to have been shot dead around 10 p.m. when the attackers, who stormed the community in large numbers, opened fire indiscriminately.

A resident said that  the victim died while confronting the assailants. The source added that the invasion left the community in disarray, with some residents believed to have been abducted, though the number of kidnapped victims remains unclear.

The resident further decried the absence of security reinforcements during the assault, urging authorities to intensify efforts to curb the growing menace of banditry in the area.