Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has vowed to deploy all available resources to protect residents and businesses, particularly in Babanla and Oke-Ode, communities in Ifelodun Local Government Area that have faced repeated attacks by kidnappers and bandits.
Visiting the two communities on Saturday, the governor assured locals of the state’s commitment to restoring public safety and stability. He was accompanied by senior security officials, including Brigade Commander Brigadier General Barkins, Police Commissioner Adekimi Ojo, Ifelodun council chairman Hadji Femi Yusuf, and the governor’s senior special assistant on security, Alhaji Muhyideen Aliu.
“Today, I visited Babanla and Oke-Ode… to reassure the people of our government’s commitment to strengthening public safety and economic activities,” AbdulRazaq wrote on his Facebook page. “I commiserated with families who lost dear ones to the recent security breaches. Together with the security commanders and officers from the Office of the National Security Adviser, we reassured our people of sustained efforts to prevent further attacks.”
Residents of Babanla and Oke-Ode have endured persistent raids in recent months, forcing many to abandon their homes. The governor’s visit comes after local leaders raised alarm over the scale of insecurity in the area.
AbdulRazaq also praised the resilience of community members and security forces, as well as the warm reception from the Oba of Babanla, Oba Aliyu Adegboyega Yusuf Arojojoye II. “We will make sure everything is in order and our people continue to live in peace,” he said.
To support victims, the governor directed the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) to compile inventories of those affected in consultation with community leaders, promising that assistance would be delivered with transparency and accountability.
