Calm has returned to Lafiagi community in Kwara State following a violent protest that rocked the town on Monday.

The demonstrators set the office of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the town and six cars and motorcycles on fire during the incident.

Residents told Daily Trust on Tuesday night that security operatives have been patrolling the area following the visit of the state Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, alongside other security personnel.

It was learnt that the Kwara State Commander of the NDLEA, Fatimah Abiola Popoola, also visited to assess the level of destruction at the agency’s office, which was attacked and vandalised during the unrest.

The Emir of Lafiagi, Alhaji Muhammadu Kudu Kawu, who was in Lagos for an event when the incident occurred, was said to have returned to inspect the damage to his palace, which was also vandalised by the protesters.

The President of the Lafiagi Descendants Development Union (LADDU), Dr Abdullahi, confirmed the Emir’s visit but declined to provide further details.

Commissioner of Police Ojo condemned the attacks and acts of vandalism, describing them as a dangerous trend that must be swiftly addressed.

“No grievance justifies burning public assets or obstructing justice. We are deploying all tactical and intelligence resources to restore normalcy and apprehend all those involved,” he said.

Police sources, however, said no arrests have been made so far, to avoid escalating the already tense atmosphere.

The protest was reportedly triggered by concerns over the rising cases of kidnapping in the community.

However, police sources claimed that the protest was hijacked by hoodlums who caused the destruction.