AbdulRazaq to bandits: Kwara govt has no hand in criminality

 

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has dismissed as false a viral video in which suspected bandits alleged that the state government sponsors their activities.

The governor described the claim as baseless while declaring open the Kwara State Police Security Summit in Ilorin on Wednesday.

“Under no circumstances has the Kwara State Government harboured or provided safe haven to bandits, contrary to claims being peddled in the widely circulated video,” AbdulRazaq said.

Represented at the event by his Special Adviser and Counsellor, Alhaji Sa’adudeen Salahu, the governor stressed that security remains a top priority of his administration, noting sustained support for security agencies in tackling crime across the state.

“This administration has provided a conducive atmosphere to ensure peaceful coexistence in Kwara State,” he said.

AbdulRazaq added that the government had adopted proactive measures to address the root causes of insecurity, including youth unemployment.

“We are committed to supporting security agencies in their fight against crimes and criminality. As part of this commitment, about 10,000 youths have been provided with employment opportunities to reduce idleness and crime in the society,” he said.

The governor commended security agencies for their efforts in maintaining law and order, while also thanking President Bola Tinubu and the Office of the National Security Adviser for prioritising the security of lives and property in the state and nationwide.

He called for stronger collaboration among government, security agencies and local communities to enhance effective policing and make Kwara one of the most peaceful states in the country.

Earlier, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Adekimi Ojo, said the summit, themed “Taking Back Our Communities: The Police–Public Partnership Against Violent Crime,” was organised to unite stakeholders in addressing emerging security challenges through community policing.

Ojo acknowledged that banditry and kidnapping had affected parts of the state, including Ifelodun, Irepodun, Edu, Patigi, Baruten, Kaiama, Ekiti and Isin local government areas.

“Lives have been cut short, families displaced, properties lost and progress stunted. Kwara, the state of harmony, deserves safety,” he said.

Delivering a lecture at the summit, retired Assistant Inspector General of Police and security expert, Adegboye Olafimihan, said security should not be seen as the sole responsibility of government.

He listed banditry, kidnapping, drug abuse, farmer-herder conflicts and natural disasters as major contributors to insecurity, calling for improved policing strategies and effective threat management.

Olafimihan also cautioned against ethnic stigmatisation and urged residents to embrace peaceful coexistence, while advocating stronger community participation in intelligence gathering.

The summit featured interactive sessions with traditional rulers, youth groups, religious organisations and other stakeholders, who offered suggestions on tackling crime and criminality in Kwara State.