From Abdul Salaudeen, Ilorin
Kwara State governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has embarked on a tour of communities in Ifelodun ravaged by armed bandits to reassure the people of government’s commitment to strengthen public safety and economic activities.
In Babanla, as in Oke-Ode, where he touched down at the weekend, Abdulrazaq commended the community and security forces for standing firm.
He commiserated with the families who lost dear ones, reassuring them of sustained efforts to prevent further security breaches and pledging social safety support for those affected in the recent incident.
The governor was received in Babanla by the Oba of Babanla, Oba Aliyu Arojojoye and his chiefs.
On the governor’s entourage were the Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier-General Ezra Barkins; Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo; Senior Special Assistant on Security, Muyideen Aliyu and the Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Femi Yusuf.
“We are here in Babanla to commiserate with you over the recent incident. We reassure you and other communities and our people that this does not 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. It 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 area, saying: “We will make sure everything is in order and you live in peace.”
He said he has directed the Kwara State Social Investment Programme, KWASSIP, to extend support to the affected persons.
Oba Arojojoye appreciated the governor for the visit and commended him and the federal government for their efforts to restore normalcy to the community and environs.
He said the attack in Babanla resulted in the snatching of nine motorcycles, food items and phones.
“I wish to thank Your Excellency for this on-the-spot assessment of the aftermath of events. We especially appreciate you for all the actions to guarantee peace and security of the state in general and this community in particular,” the monarch said.
He, however, appealed to government to consider putting the massive land in Babanla into use for economic benefit.
“It is our strong belief that putting these wide expanse of land into use will not only boost the economy of the state and provide massive employment, but also help flush out and deny criminals of hiding places,” the monarch said.
