Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has called for increased military deployment in the state following renewed attacks by armed criminals in Oke Ode, Ifelodun Local Government Area.
The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, described the incident as “a tragic loss” while mourning forest guards and residents who were killed in the early hours of Sunday.
Credible News reports that 15 persons were reportedly killed in the latest attack in Ifelodun Council area that recently witnessed sporadic killings from marauding gunmen.
He said the attackers targeted the positions of forest guards and surrounding communities, leaving casualties on both sides. AbdulRazaq lamented the loss of innocent civilians and security operatives, noting that the slain guards had put up “a spirited resistance out of patriotism and love for their communities.”
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“My heartfelt condolences go to the families. No word can adequately capture the depth of my sadness and nothing can compensate the bereaved families over these incidents, in spite of our efforts and the investments in enlisting and training the forest guards to bolster the conventional forces. Our people are understandably concerned about the situation, and I wholeheartedly share in this grief,” the statement quoted the governor as saying.
He further commended the sacrifices of the security forces, forest guards, and local hunters, stressing that “though they lost five of their compatriots, they equally neutralised several of the attackers. We will forever be grateful to all of them as our heroes.”
AbdulRazaq, however, urged residents not to give in to fear or division. “Finally, I urge our brave residents to remain calm and avoid the temptation to turn on ourselves,” he said.
The governor renewed his appeal to the federal authorities for more troops, insisting that “a lot more needs to be done until we are completely out of the wood.”
Meanwhile, the Army Headquarters has directed the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, to relocate to Kwara to strengthen the ongoing military response.
Ajakaye said the state government remains committed to supporting the security agencies in their task of restoring peace and order across Kwara.
Crediblenewsng.com
