By Ruth Adebayo, Haliru Idris and Tobi Aroyehun
The Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaqhas condemned the recent attack on women protesters in Ilorin, the State capital.
He expressed his displeasure that the hoodlums were able to carry out such unprovoked attack on women who were exercising their right to freedom of peaceful protest.
While dissociating himself and the administration from such criminal behaviour, the Governor told the State Police Command to ensure prompt apprehension of the perpetrators and to bring them to justice.
Governor AbdulRazaq appealed to all sections of the State for support as government continues its strategic moves against terrorism and banditry in the State.
“I am enraged at a footage showing some hoodlums attacking women protesters near the under-construction Government House gate over the weekend.
“Peaceful protest is a democratic right. Assault on protesters is unacceptable, and that should never have happened.
“The protesters were within their right to express their views. Our principles for the past six years encapsulate decency and respect for democracy, liberty, and order.
“I, therefore, distance myself from the incident as it does not represent our views as a government.
“I have requested the police to fish out the attackers and bring them to account.
“The government is clearly not resting on strengthening security in the state. Just on Saturday, December 27, I personally led the passing out parade of armed forest guards whose mandate includes flushing out kidnappers and terrorists from our forests, among other investments, to secure our communities. We are launching offensive on the criminals.
“We urge for understanding and support in the campaign against banditry and terrorism of any kind,” AbdulRazaq said.
