Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has called for the deployment of additional security forces to the state in response to Sunday’s deadly attacks on forest guards and residents in Oke Ode, Ifelodun Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor urged the Federal Government and security agencies to bolster military presence in Kwara South and North to combat the rising wave of criminal activities.
He described the attack as a devastating incident that claimed the lives of forest guards and civilians.
“MY HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES GO TO THE FAMILIES. NO WORD CAN ADEQUATELY CAPTURE THE DEPTH OF MY SADNESS AND NOTHING CAN COMPENSATE THE BEREAVED FAMILIES OVER THESE INCIDENTS, IN SPITE OF OUR EFFORTS AND THE INVESTMENTS IN ENLISTING AND TRAINING THE FOREST GUARDS TO BOLSTER THE CONVENTIONAL FORCES.”
“Our people are understandably concerned about the situation, and I wholeheartedly share in this grief,” AbdulRazaq said.
The governor praised the courage of the forest guards and local hunters who resisted the assailants, noting that although five members of the community security outfit were killed, they also succeeded in neutralising several attackers. “We will forever be grateful to all of them as our heroes,” he added.
APPEALING FOR CALM, ABDULRAZAQ WARNED AGAINST INTERNAL STRIFE WITHIN THE AFFECTED COMMUNITIES. “FINALLY, I URGE OUR BRAVE RESIDENTS TO REMAIN CALM AND AVOID THE TEMPTATION TO TURN ON OURSELVES,” HE SAID.
Meanwhile, the Army Headquarters has directed the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Ibadan, to immediately relocate to Kwara State to strengthen coordination and boost military response to the crisis.
The governor assured residents that the government remains committed to restoring peace and security across the state.
