Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has presented N80 million cheques to families of the forest guards and vigilante who recently lost their lives during encounters with kidnappers in Babanla, Oke Ode, and Eleyin of Ifelodun and Isin Local Government Areas of the state.
The Governor has also approved N100m support for the families of brave men in Edu and Patigi who died in an ambush in July by kidnappers as the former set out to confront them in the wake of abductions in the area.
A statement issued in Ilorin on Monday by the Governor signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor however saluted the bravery and patriotism of all the victims and prayed God to repose their souls.
According to the statement,“We pray for the souls of the deceased. It was an unfortunate incident. They died in active service”.
The statement stated, “Government cannot but sympathise with the families,” the Governor said in Ilorin while presenting cheques to the families.
“We will do the needful to keep supporting them and making sure that the state is safe, and our country is safe.
“As you can see, the military has moved in with full force. We look forward to supporting the Nigerian Army and other security agencies as they chase the criminals out of the state.”
Special Assistant to the Governor
on Security, Alhaji Muyideen Aliyu and.Chairman of Ifelodun, Alhaji Femi Yusuf in their remarks
commended the Governor’s gesture, which they said will go a long way in ameliorating the suffering of the bereaved families.
They also lauded the Governor for his unrelenting efforts to rout out criminals and restore a lasting peace in the affected parts of the state. The Government has meanwhile supplied new logistics support, including fighting equipment and motorcycles, for the forest guards and vigilantes maintained by communities in the flash points.
The new logistics have positioned the forest guards and the vigilantes to better haunt down the kidnappers and defend their communities — a practical complement to the efforts of the conventional security forces.
Hammed Shittu
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