Segun Fagbemi, Ilorin
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has presented N80 million in cheques to the families of forest guards and members of the vigilance group who recently lost their lives during encounters with kidnappers in Babanla, Oke Ode, and Eleyin, located in Ifelodun and Isin Local Government areas of the state.
The governor also approved an additional N100 million in support for the families of the “brave men” from Edu and Patigi who died in an ambush by kidnappers in July while confronting the criminals following a spate of abductions in the area.
The governor praised the bravery and patriotism of all the victims and prayed for the repose of their souls.
“We pray for the souls of the deceased. It was an unfortunate incident. They died in active service. The government cannot but sympathise with the families,” he said
The governor disclosed this in Ilorin while presenting the cheques to the families over the weekend.
“We will continue to do the needful to support them and to ensure that our state and country remain safe.
“As you can see, the military has moved in with full force. We look forward to supporting the Nigerian Army and other security agencies as they chase the criminals out of the state.” he explained
The event was attended by the Chairman of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority and APC chieftain from Asa, Alhaji Abdullateef Gidado Alakawa; the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Security, Alhaji Muyideen Aliyu; Chairman of Ifelodun LGA, Alhaji Femi Yusuf; Chairman of Ilorin West LGA, Mallam Shehu AbdulRahaman Ladan; Chairman of Asa LGA, Alhaji Shehu Yahaya; and families of the victims.
In their separate remarks, Alakawa and Yusuf commended the governor’s gesture, stating that it would go a long way in alleviating the suffering of the bereaved families.
They also praised the governor for his unwavering efforts to rid the state of criminals and restore lasting peace in the affected areas.
Meanwhile, the government has provided new logistical support — including combat equipment and motorcycles — to forest guards and vigilantes maintained by communities in security flashpoints.
These new provisions have positioned the forest guards and vigilantes to better track down kidnappers and defend their communities, serving as a practical complement to the efforts of conventional security forces.