Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has distributed N80 million in cheques to the families of fallen forest guards and vigilantes, as well as an additional N100 million to the families of “community fighters” in the state.
The forest guards and vigilantes lost their lives during recent clashes with kidnappers in the Babanla, Oke Ode, and Eleyin communities of Ifelodun and Isin Local Government Areas.
Similarly, the community fighters from Edu and Patigi LGAs were killed in July after being ambushed by suspected kidnappers.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, on Monday, said during the presentation of cheques in Ilorin at the weekend, AbdulRazaq described the fallen heroes as “brave patriots who paid the supreme price in defence of their people.”
“We pray for the souls of the deceased. It was an unfortunate incident. They died in active service. The government cannot but sympathise with the families.
“We will continue to support them and ensure the safety of lives and property in the state. The military has moved in with full force, and we are supporting their operations to chase the criminals out of Kwara,” the Governor said.
The beneficiaries include families of forest guards and vigilante members who were killed during operations in the Babanla Forest and surrounding communities that have witnessed a resurgence of kidnapping and banditry in recent months.
According to the governor, the gesture was part of his administration’s broader plan to support security personnel and local volunteers risking their lives to defend rural communities.
“The government will not abandon those who laid down their lives for peace to reign,” AbdulRazaq added. “Their courage must be remembered and their families cared for.”
The presentation was attended by top government officials, including the Chairman of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Alhaji Abdullateef Alakawa; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Alhaji Muyideen Aliyu; and Chairmen of Ifelodun, Asa, and Ilorin West Local Government Areas, among others.
In separate remarks, Alhaji Alakawa and Alhaji Femi Yusuf, Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government, commended the Governor’s gesture, saying it would provide relief to the bereaved families while boosting the morale of security operatives in the field.
“The Governor’s support shows that the sacrifices of these gallant men have not gone unnoticed. It will give confidence to those still serving in volatile areas that the government truly values their effort,” Yusuf said.
The state government also announced new logistics support, including fighting equipment and motorcycles, for forest guards and community vigilantes operating in flashpoint areas across Kwara South and Kwara North.