By Muyideen Aliyu, Ilorin
Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Tuesday received 23 abductees recently freed by the Nigerian Army, commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the security agencies for their efforts and support.
Speaking at the 22 Armoured Brigade Headquarters, Sobi Barracks, Ilorin, during the official handover of the victims, the Governor expressed joy over their safe return and assured that his administration would continue to support security agencies to rid the state of criminal elements.
“We thank God that you were all freed following the pressure from the security forces. We also thank the Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his support, and the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for working together to achieve this success,” AbdulRazaq said.
“We are glad to see 23 victims freed and presented today. We thank the Army and the Medical Centre here for looking after them since they were rescued,” he added.
The Governor assured the victims of government support for their rehabilitation, stressing that the state would not tolerate criminal activities. “The challenges we are going through are temporary. Like the GOC has said, it is either they (the criminals) leave Kwara or they die here. This is a state of harmony,” he said.
AbdulRazaq also appreciated the Nigerian Army and the new Brigade Commander for deploying troops to tackle banditry in the state, pledging continuous support to the Armed Forces.
“The GOC has been on the ground for the past two weeks, and since he came, we have seen a turnaround of events. Many criminals have been arrested or neutralised, and peace is gradually being restored to Kwara,” he stated.
He added that the government would deploy forest guards immediately after the Army completes its clean-up operations in affected areas, to maintain peace and allow farming activities to resume.
Earlier, the Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Nicholas Rume, acknowledged the support received from the state government and pledged to sustain military pressure on criminal elements until they are completely flushed out of the state.
“Your Excellency, we sincerely appreciate your continued support. Without it, many of our operations would not have been possible,” he said.
“We promise to continue to do our best until these miscreants leave the area. Let me quote the General Officer Commanding: his directive is clear — ‘It is either the bandits leave Kwara or they die.’ That is the only mandate I have, and I will continue to work with my officers to achieve it.”
One of the rescued victims, Pastor Obafemi, who recounted his ordeal, described the experience as traumatic and thanked the government and the military for saving their lives.
“I thank the Governor and the troops for their efforts which led to our rescue. May God strengthen you to continue the good work and protect our communities from these tormentors,” he said.
