Kwara Gov to FG :Deploy More Troops, Stop Bandits Now

Kwara Gov To FG: Deploy More Troops, Stop Bandits Now

 

…As Oke Ode attacks claim forest guards, civilians • Army relocates GOC to Kwara

 

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has called on the Federal Government to urgently deploy more troops to the state following Sunday’s deadly attack on Oke Ode, Ifelodun Local Government Area, which claimed the lives of forest guards and civilians.

 

The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, said the incident underscored the need for stronger military presence in parts of Kwara South and Kwara North.

 

Armed men were said to have stormed Oke Ode in the early hours of Sunday, targeting forest guard positions and nearby communities. While the guards and local hunters mounted stiff resistance, five of them, along with several residents, lost their lives in the encounter.

 

AbdulRazaq described the incident as a “tragic loss,” lamenting that despite government’s investment in recruiting and training forest guards to complement conventional forces, the criminals still struck with devastating consequences.

 

The statement quoted the governor as saying: “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.”

 

He hailed the courage of the forest guards and local hunters who engaged the attackers. “Though they lost five of their compatriots, they equally neutralised several of the attackers. We will forever be grateful to all of them as our heroes,” he added.

 

AbdulRazaq further appealed to residents not to allow fear and anger to turn them against each other. “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 relocate to Kwara to coordinate intensified operations in the state.

 

Ajakaye, in the press release made available to journalists in Ilorin, said the state government would continue to support security agencies in their task of restoring peace and protecting lives and property.