Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
Kwara State Governor Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, yesterday, read a riot act to criminals terrorising the state, saying there would be nowhere in the state that would be safe for them.
AbdulRazaq, who spoke in Ilorin on the sidelines of the security council meeting held with the head of security agencies in the state at the Government House, said, “To any criminal who seeks to destabilise the peace in Kwara, you may run, but you cannot escape justice.”
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
The security meeting was called on the heels of the recent attacks by suspected bandits at Oke-Ode community in Ifelodun Local Government Council Area and other parts of the state.
During the incident, no fewer than 15 people were killed while several residents were taken away by the suspected bandits.
The development, however, prompted the Nigeria Air Force operatives to bombard the hideous of the bandits at Baba Sango and Babanla forests where about 20 bandits were neutralised during the operation.
AbdulRazaq had quickly briefed President Bola Tinubu, during which he reiterated his request for additional federal deployment to raid the hideouts.
Speaking after the security meeting, AbdulRazaq said, “The Army Headquarters has since relocated the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 2nd Division to Ilorin as part of the renewed efforts to strengthen security operations in the state.
“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 yesterday 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.”
The governor 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,” he added.
