Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has handed over N80 million cheques to the families of forest guards and vigilantes who recently lost their lives confronting kidnappers in Babanla, Oke Ode, and Eleyin in Ifelodun and Isin Local Government Areas.
According to a statement by his spokesman, Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor also approved N100 million support for the families of security personnel in Edu and Patigi who were killed in a July ambush while confronting kidnappers following abductions in the area. He commended the bravery and patriotism of the victims and prayed for their souls.
“We pray for the souls of the deceased. It was an unfortunate incident. They died in active service. Government cannot but sympathise with the families,” Governor Abdulrazaq said while presenting the cheques over the weekend in Ilorin.
He added, “We will continue to support them and ensure the safety of the state and our country. The military has deployed fully, and we look forward to backing the Nigerian Army and other security agencies as they pursue the criminals.”
The event was attended by Alhaji Abdullateef Gidado Alakawa, Chairman of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority and APC chieftain from Asa; Senior Special Assistant on Security, Alhaji Muyideen Aliyu; and local government chairmen including Alhaji Femi Yusuf (Ifelodun), Mall Shehu AbdulRahaman Ladan (Ilorin West), and Alhaji Shehu Yahaya (Asa), alongside families of the victims.
Alakawa and Yusuf praised the governor’s gesture, saying it would help alleviate the suffering of the bereaved families.
The state government has also provided new logistics, including motorcycles and equipment, to forest guards and vigilantes in high-risk areas, enhancing their ability to pursue kidnappers and protect their communities, complementing the efforts of conventional security forces.
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