By Zarumi Mashood
The Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has said that arrangements are already in top gear to establish a Homegrown Community Security Architecture as a first line of defence to checkmate the bandits, aside from the National Forest Guards approved by the Federal Government recently.
The Governor disclosed this in Ilorin while speaking with stakeholders from Edu and Patigi Local Government Areas on the security challenges in some parts of the two local governments.
The outcome of the meeting was contained in a communique issued by the Chairman, Edu/Patigi Stakeholders, Alhaji Dabarako Mohammed who is also the Garikuwan Patigi and the Secretary, Edu/Patigi Stakeholders, Alhaji Mohammed Sambo Magaji who is also the Magatakardan Lafiagi.
The stakeholders acknowledged all the efforts of the Governor towards overcoming the insecurity situation in the state.
They however conveyed the feelings of displeasure and despair of the people of both local governments on the delayed visitation of the Governor to both LGAs to console and commiserate with them since the banditry and kidnappings started invading their homeland.
The Governor was informed that the activities of the insurgents have not only crippled the economic and social lives of our people but it has also mentally and psychologically traumatized our people.
The team requested that more troops and as well the newly trained National Forest Guards should be equipped and deployed immediately to flush out the bandits from their hideouts.
They also brought to the attention of the Governor the deplorable state of the roads leading to the two local governments especially with regards to the Tsaragi-Patigi road, the total darkness caused by lack of electricity supply, non-functioning waterworks in Lafiagi and Patigi Townships due to no electricity supply to power the equipments as well as the need for adequate support for Agriculture which is the mainstay of their people.
The stakeholders acknowledged all the efforts of the Governor towards overcoming the insecurity situation in the state.
While responding, the Governor explained in detail the efforts of the government to combat banditry in the state.
He said he has personally taken up his request with the Presidency and the military authorities and assured that more troops are underway.
AbdulRazaq requested the stakeholders to harmonize their positions and present to him within one week, the modalities and logistics requirements to empower the local vigilantes and hunters.
On the issues of paying condolence and assessment visits to the two local governments, the Governor acknowledged that his visit is important and has never taken it for granted.
He assured that the visit to both LGAs are scheduled and assured that every citizen of the State must be protected from all enemies of the State.
He also said that palliatives and other logistic supports shall be paid to the victims and families of those who lost their lives in the debacle.
The Governor condemned in strong terms the violent attacks on the Emir’s palace and destruction of other public assets as was done to the NDLEA office in Lafiagi.
He equally admonished the stakeholders to advise the youths not to take laws into their hands in vandalising or destroying government or private properties.
The Governor also directed the stakeholders to furnish him with details of the challenges of power supply, water supply and local farmers tools for dry seasons farming as well as other issues to receive his immediate attention.
