By Taiwo Oguniyi, Ilorin | Oct. 13, 2025
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has presented N180 million to families of local security volunteers who died in gun battles with kidnappers in parts of the state.
The beneficiaries include families of forest guards and vigilantes who lost their lives during operations in Babanla, Oke Ode, and Eleyin communities in Ifelodun and Isin local government areas, as well as those killed in Edu and Patigi LGAs while defending their communities.
Speaking in Ilorin during the cheque presentation, AbdulRazaq said N80 million was allocated to the families from Ifelodun and Isin, while another N100 million was approved for those from Edu and Patigi.
The Governor described the deceased as heroes who paid the supreme price in defence of their people.
“They died in active service, protecting lives and communities from criminal elements. We deeply sympathise with their families and pray that Almighty God grants them eternal rest,” AbdulRazaq said.
He assured that his administration would continue to support their families and strengthen efforts to make the state safe.
“The military has moved in with full force, and we will continue to support the Nigerian Army and other security agencies as they chase the criminals out of the state,” he added.
Those present at the event included the Chairman of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Alhaji Abdullateef Gidado Alakawa; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Alhaji Muyideen Aliyu; and council chairmen from Ifelodun, Asa, and Ilorin West LGAs.
In their remarks, Alakawa and Ifelodun Council Chairman, Alhaji Femi Yusuf, commended the Governor’s gesture, describing it as a relief to the affected families and a reflection of his compassion.
They also lauded his continued commitment to security and peacebuilding in the state.
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Meanwhile, the government has provided new logistics support, including motorcycles and fighting equipment, to forest guards and vigilantes in volatile areas to boost their operations.
According to officials, the move underscores AbdulRazaq’s determination to strengthen local security structures as vital partners in complementing conventional security agencies.
