By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo
Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara on Sunday toured Ifelodun communities to reassure residents of government’s commitment to improving public safety and revitalising economic activities.
In Oke-Ode, AbdulRazaq commended residents and security forces for their resilience.
He sympathised with families who lost loved ones, pledging sustained efforts to avert further attacks and promising social safety support for victims of recent bandit assaults.
The governor was received in Babanla by the Oba of Babanla, Oba Aliyu Adegboyega II, and his chiefs.
The governor said: “We are here in Babanla today to commiserate with you over the unfortunate incident.
“We assure you and other communities that government will work to prevent a recurrence.
“It is a sad event which we are determined to curtail.
“You can see security commanders are here, and activities have returned to normal in the past week or two.
“This has never happened before. Obviously, criminal elements pressured elsewhere have infiltrated this peaceful area. But rest assured, they will be flushed out.”
He expressed satisfaction with the restoration of calm, assuring residents: “We will ensure everything remains in order and you live peacefully.”
AbdulRazaq directed the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) to extend support to affected persons.
Oba Adegboyega commended the governor and federal authorities for their intervention to restore normalcy in Babanla and surrounding areas.
He said the attack resulted in the theft of nine motorcycles, food items, and mobile phones.
“I thank your excellency for this on-the-spot assessment and actions to guarantee peace and security across the state, especially in our community,” the traditional ruler stated.
He urged government to utilise Babanla’s vast land for economic development.
“We believe deploying this land will boost the state’s economy, provide massive employment, and deny criminals hiding places,” Oba Adegboyega said.
Reports say that AbdulRazaq’s entourage included the Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Ezra Barkins; Police Commissioner Adekimi Ojo; and Ifelodun Chairman, Mr Femi Yusuf
