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Kwara State Governor, AbdulRazaq Visits Bandit-Attacked Kwara Communities, Pledges Security, Relief Support
Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the weekend visited the various communities that had been under the bandits attacks for past few weeks with assurance to the people of the affected communities of government’s commitment to strengthen public safety and economic activities.
The visit according to THISDAY checks might not be unconnected with series of alleged insensitivity of the governor to the people of various communities that had been attacked by the suspected bandits in the state.
At least about 5,000 people of the communities affected by the bandits attacked have fled the communities for fear of further attacks and taken solace in the safer areas of the state.
However, over the weekend, governor AbdulRazaq visited Babanla as well as Oke-ode in Ifelodun local government council area of the state.
Governor AbdulRazaq was received in Babanla by the Oba of Babanla, Oba Aliyu Adegboyega Yusuf Arojojoye ll, and his chiefs.
On the Governor’s entourage were the Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo; and Senior Special Assistant on Security Muyideen Aliyu.
The Chairman of Ifelodun local government council Hon. Femi Yusuf also joined the trip to the community.
Speaking during the visit at Babanla town, the governor commended the community folks and security forces for standing firm.
He conmiserated with families who lost dear ones, reassuring them of sustained efforts to prevent further security breaches and pledging social safety supports for those affected in the recent incident.
He said, “We are here in Babanla today to commiserate with you over the recent incident. We reassure you and other communities and our people that we will ensure this doesn’t happen again.
“It is a sad incident which we are working hard to curtail.
“You can see that the security commanders are also here, and you have seen activities (return to normalcy) over the past one week or two.
“It had never happened like this before. Obviously, there has been pressure on those criminal non-state actors in other regions. And that has forced them into this peaceful location. But surely they will be flushed out of this area.”
AbdulRazaq expressed satisfaction with the return of calmness to the areas, saying: “We will make sure everything is in order and you live in peace.”
The Governor said he has directed the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) to extend support to the affected persons.
Receiving the visitors at his Palace, the royal father of Babanla, Oba Aliyu Adegboyega Yusuf Arojojoye ll appreciated the Governor for the visit, and commended him and the federal government for their efforts to restore normalcy in the community and environs.
He said the attack in Babanla resulted in snatching of nine motorcycles, food items, and phones.
He said, “I wish to thank Your Excellency profoundly for this on-the-spot assessment of the aftermath of the events.
We especially appreciate Your Excellency for all the actions to guarantee peace and security of the state in general and this community in particular.”
He appealed to the government to consider putting the massive land in Babanla into use for economic benefits.
Oba Alliyu said,“ It is our strong belief that putting these wide expanses of land into use will not only boost the economy of the state and provide massive employment, but also help flush out and deny the criminals of any hiding places.”
