Kwara Gov’t Disburses N180 Million to Families of Fallen Forest Guards, Vigilantes, Community Fighters
In a solemn gesture of recognition and support, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq presented a total of N180 million to the families of security personnel and community fighters who lost their lives in the line of duty. The support includes N80 million for families of forest guards and vigilantes and an additional N100 million for the families of ‘community fighters’ who were recently killed in violent attacks.
The fallen forest guards and vigilantes lost their lives during operations against kidnappers in Babanla, Oke Ode, and Eleyin communities within Ifelodun and Isin Local Government Areas. Meanwhile, community fighters in Edu and Patigi Local Government Areas were ambushed and killed in July by suspected kidnappers.
According to a press statement made available to newsmen by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, Governor AbdulRazaq described the deceased as “brave patriots who paid the supreme price in defence of their people.” He expressed deep sympathy for the bereaved families and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting them.
“We pray for the souls of the deceased. They died in active service, defending their communities. The government cannot but sympathise with their families. We will continue to support them and ensure the safety of lives and property in the state,” the Governor said.
He further assured that the military has been fully deployed to flush out criminals from affected communities, with the state government providing support for ongoing operations.
The beneficiaries include families of forest guards and vigilante members killed in operations in Babanla Forest and surrounding communities, which have witnessed a resurgence of kidnapping and banditry in recent months. Governor AbdulRazaq said the gesture is part of a broader initiative to support security personnel and local volunteers risking their lives to defend rural communities.
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“The government will not abandon those who laid down their lives for peace to reign. Their courage must be remembered and their families cared for,” he added.
The presentation was attended by top government officials, including Alhaji Abdullateef Alakawa, Chairman of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority; Alhaji Muyideen Aliyu, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security; and the Chairmen of Ifelodun, Asa, and Ilorin West Local Government Areas.
In remarks, Alhaji Alakawa and Alhaji Femi Yusuf, Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government, commended the Governor’s initiative, noting that 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 efforts,” Yusuf said.
In addition to financial support, the state government announced the provision of new logistics, fighting equipment, and motorcycles for forest guards and community vigilantes operating in high-risk areas across Kwara South and Kwara North. These resources are expected to strengthen local intelligence gathering and rapid response capabilities, complementing ongoing military operations in the state.
The latest intervention aligns with intensified security measures in Kwara South, where coordinated military and vigilante patrols have rescued several kidnapped victims and dismantled bandit hideouts in the Babanla axis. Residents have consistently called for sustained government intervention and welfare support for local security volunteers, who often serve as the first line of defence.
Governor AbdulRazaq reiterated that his administration will continue prioritising the safety of citizens, noting that security is a critical foundation for development.
“We will keep supporting our security agencies, vigilantes, and forest guards to ensure that every part of Kwara is safe,” he said.
By PRNigeria
