Gov AbdulRazaq: Advanced Arrangements Afoot to Establish Homegrown Community Security Architecture

–         Relocates Oke-Ode College of Nursing Sciences to Ilorin

–         As bandits kill pastor after payment of ransom in Kwara

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin 

Piqued by the state of insecurity in Kwara State, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, at the weekend 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 in the state.

Also, stakeholders in both Edu and Patigi local government areas of Kwara North Senatorial District of the state have called on the government to intensify efforts towards deploying more security personnel to the areas in order to stop further incessant attacks on the various communities in the areas.

Also, in a key security-related move the Kwara State Government at the weekend ordered the relocation of the staffs and students of state College of Nursing Sciences at Oke-Ode town (KWCONOO) to Ilorin following security unrest in parts of Kwara South and North senatorial districts of the state.

The development according to THISDAY checks might not be unconnected with the last week attacks by bandits in Oke-Ode where over 15 people were killed while many residents were kidnapped.

The state governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq last Friday paid a condolence visit to the people and families of the victims in the ancient town, reassuring the residents of more protection so as to bring peace and development to Oke-Ode.

But, despite the assurance of the governor, the state school of nursing at Oke-Ode community was relocated to Ilorin.

Meanwhile, in another related development, suspected bandits over the weekend reportedly killed a serving pastor with the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Rev James Audu Issa, in Ekati village in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State

Late Rev. Issa was reportedly killed by the bandits last Thursday at Ekati village in Patigi Local Government Area of the state despite the payment of ransom by his family and Ekati village.

Late Rev. Issa was abducted from Ekati village in Patigi Local Government Area on August 28, 2025 after he was held hostage by bandits.

Meanwhile, in a communique issued in Ilorin after the parley with the team of stakeholders from Edu and Patigi LGAs in the state, Governor AbdulRazaq said the establishment of local grown security outfit would complement the National Forest Guards approved by the federal government recently.

 Alhaji AbdulRazaq also asked 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.

The communique was signed by Alhaji Dabarako Mohammed (Garikuwan Patigi) Chairman, Edu/Patigi Stakeholders and Alhaji Mohammed Sambo Magaji (Magatakardan Lafiagi), Secretary, Edu/Patigi Stakeholders.

Earlier, “the stakeholders acknowledged all the efforts of His Excellency towards overcoming the insecurity situation in the state but conveyed the feelings of displeasure and despair of the people of both Local governments on the delayed visitation of His Excellency to both LGAs to console and commiserate with them since the banditry and kidnappings started invading their homeland”. 

They also informed the governor 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 of no Electricity light, non-functioning waterworks in Lafiagi and Patigi Townships due to no electricity supply to power the equipment as well as the need for adequate support for Agriculture which is the mainstay of our people”.

Responding, 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 also frowned against 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 properties 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 germane issues to receive his immediate attention.

Meanwhile, in the tragic kidnap for r