Approves Extra N100m for Edu/Patigi Heroes
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has presented cheques totalling ₦80 million to the families of forest guards and vigilante operatives who were recently killed during confrontations with kidnappers in Babanla, Oke Ode and Eleyin areas of Ifelodun and Isin Local Government Areas.
In addition, the Governor announced ₦100 million support for the families of community fighters from Edu and Patigi who were ambushed and killed in July while attempting to defend their communities from kidnappers.
Speaking during the presentation at the Government House in Ilorin, Governor AbdulRazaq hailed the fallen heroes for their bravery and patriotism, describing their deaths as sacrificial and noble acts in active service to the state.
“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,” he said.
“We will continue to support them and ensure that Kwara remains safe. As you can see, the military has moved in with full force, and we will continue to work with all security agencies to flush out criminals.”
Dignitaries at the event included Alhaji Abdullateef Gidado Alakawa, Chairman of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority; Alhaji Muyideen Aliyu, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security; Ifelodun Chairman, Alhaji Femi Yusuf; Ilorin West Chairman, Mallam Shehu AbdulRahaman Ladan, and Asa Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Yahaya.
Alakawa and Yusuf, in separate remarks, commended the Governor’s intervention, noting that the financial support will greatly ease the burden on the bereaved families. They also applauded his consistent investment in community security and peace restoration efforts.
Fresh Logistics Support for Forest Guards and Vigilantes
The state government has also provided new logistics and fighting equipment, including motorcycles, to community-backed forest guards and vigilantes operating in security flashpoints.
The enhanced support is expected to boost their capacity to hunt down kidnappers and safeguard rural communities, complementing the efforts of conventional security forces.
