AbdulRazaq hosts stakeholders meeting to combat banditry, kidnapping in Kwara communities
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq hosted key stakeholders in the Lafiagi axis of Kwara North on Sunday, assuring community leaders of the government’s ongoing efforts to eliminate criminal gangs involved in violent crimes in the region.
In a statement issued by Rafiu Ajakaye, the spokesperson to the Governor, AbdulRazaq acknowledged the concerns of the communities and emphasized a government-led multistakeholder approach to the issue.
The meeting took place at the State Government House in Ilorin and was attended by the leadership of the Lafiagi Descendants’ Development Union (LADDU), headed by Dr. Abdullahi Jibril Mohammed Lafiagi.
During the meeting, it was revealed that the Nigerian army has finalized plans to initiate sustained operations in forests identified as strongholds for the criminal gangs in Kwara North and South. The operations will include the newly trained forest guards deployed in isolated areas.
“These operations will rout the criminals from their hideouts and restore lasting calm in the affected areas, while care will be taken to prevent these violent elements from relocating elsewhere. The government is collaborating with the Office of the National Security Adviser to eliminate these threats, especially in identified settlements in Ifelodun, Edu, and Patigi,” the statement from the Governor stated.
Dr. Abdullahi Jibril Mohammed Lafiagi underlined the importance of acknowledging community concerns, saying, “No one can dismiss the worries of our community folks. However, it is crucial to note that sensitive security issues require careful and realistic analysis of the situation, planning, and execution of plans for sustainable success.”
The Informant247 reports that hundreds of residents of Lata village in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State fled their homes following incessant raids and attacks by gunmen, locally known as bandits.
According to local sources, weary of the unrelenting violence, residents began deserting the town on Friday morning. By evening, nearly everyone had fled.
The displaced villagers are currently seeking refuge in nearby communities.
Kwara State has recently witnessed a surge in bandit attacks and kidnappings, particularly in the northern and southern parts of the state. Last week, gunmen attacked Lile village in Patigi LGA, killing several residents and demanding a large ransom.
Similarly, Lafiagi and other villages in Edu LGA have experienced high-profile kidnappings, including the abduction of a prominent agrochemical dealer, Alhaji Chemical, and a Point-of-Sale (POS) agent. At least two vigilante officers were also killed in a series of attacks, sparking widespread fear and prompting community protests.
