Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to protect the lives and livelihoods of residents, declaring that no resources will be spared in ensuring public safety across the state.
The governor gave the assurance during a visit on Saturday to the crisis-hit communities of Babanla and Oke-Ode in Ifelodun Local Government Area, which have in recent times suffered repeated attacks from kidnappers and bandits—incidents that forced many residents to flee their homes.
Accompanied by top security chiefs, including Brigade Commander Brigadier General Barkins, State Commissioner of Police Adekimi Ojo, Ifelodun LGA Chairman Hadji Femi Yusuf, and the Senior Special Assistant on Security, Alhaji Muhyideen Aliu, Governor AbdulRazaq pledged stronger measures to restore peace and boost local economic activities.
Speaking after the visit, the governor said his administration stands in solidarity with the affected communities, stressing that multi-agency security deployments have already been made to deter criminal elements.
> “Today, I visited Babanla and Oke-Ode, among other great communities, in Ifelodun Local Government Area to reassure our people of the government’s commitment to strengthening public safety and economic activities,” he said in a statement.
“I commended community members and security forces for their resilience and also condoled with families who lost loved ones to the recent security breaches. On my entourage were security commanders in the state and officers from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). Together, we reassured our people of sustained efforts to prevent further attacks. It is a sad incident which we are working hard to curtail.”
The governor also expressed appreciation for the warm reception of His Royal Highness, Oba Aliyu Adegboyega Yusuf Arojojoye II, the Oba of Babanla, adding that he was pleased with the gradual return of calm to the troubled areas.
> “We will make sure everything is in order and our people continue to live in peace,” he assured.
As part of relief measures, Governor AbdulRazaq disclosed that he has directed the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) to take stock of persons affected by the crisis. This, he said, would be done in collaboration with community leaders to ensure fairness, inclusion, and accountability in the support process.
