AbdulRazaq vows crackdown on bandits after Oke Ode attack

The Governor spoke after a security council meeting on Tuesday night.

Following the recent attack at Oke Ode, the Governor moved swiftly to brief President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during which he reiterated his request for additional federal deployment to raid the hideouts.

“The Army Headquarters has since relocated the General Officer Commanding, of the 2nd Division to Ilorin as part of the renewed efforts to strengthen security operations in the state,” he said.

“On Monday night, combined forces of the Army, DSS and Police launched an offensive around Baba Sango, along the Kwara–Kogi border, neutralising about 15 armed bandits. The same operation continued on Tuesday. And last night, I presided over the State Security Council meeting at Ahmadu Bello House, Ilorin, to integrate state and federal assets into a single strategy for both Kwara North and South.”

Governor AbdulRazaq assured Kwara residents that his administration would not relent in supporting security agencies to keep every community safe.

“I have assurances of the security forces to smoke out and eliminate the criminals from their hideouts. We will fight insecurity with every resource at our disposal. Kwara will not be a hiding place for criminals. To any criminal who seeks to destabilise the peace in Kwara, you may run, but you cannot escape justice. Kwara belongs to its people, and their peace will be defended,” the Governor added.

Credible News reports that AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had earlier 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. 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.”

“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