The Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has provided relief and hope to grieving families by disbursing ₦180 million in compensation to the dependents of vigilante members and forest guards who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The gesture, widely described as “deeply humane,” reflects the governor’s commitment to honouring local heroes who sacrificed their lives protecting their communities from kidnappers and armed bandits.
The compensation package includes ₦80 million for the families of vigilantes and forest guards killed in Babanla, Oke Ode, and Eleyin communities of Ifelodun and Isin Local Government Areas, and ₦100 million for the relatives of security volunteers who died in a July ambush in Edu and Patigi while responding to abduction incidents.
Abdulrazaq, while presenting cheques to the victims’ families during the weekend, stated that the payment was not merely financial assistance, but a tribute to the extraordinary bravery and service of the fallen operatives.
He described the slain security men as “true patriots who stood up for peace and paid the ultimate price defending others.”
“These men died so that others could live safely. Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Our administration will continue to support their families and ensure their children do not suffer because of their parents’ heroism,” he said.
Speaking further, Abdulrazaq revealed that the state had intensified collaboration with the military and other security agencies to address insecurity in affected areas.
“The situation is improving because our armed forces have taken strong action. We will continue to work closely with them to restore lasting peace and stability,” he said.
Several dignitaries, including the Chairman of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Abdullateef Alakawa; the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Security, Muyideen Aliyu; and council chairmen from Ifelodun, Asa, and Ilorin West, attended the event to show solidarity with the bereaved families.
Community leaders praised the gesture as a rare display of empathy from the government. Alhaji Alakawa described it as “a lifeline that will ease the burden of loss,” while Ifelodun Local Government Chairman, Alhaji Femi Yusuf, said it “reflects genuine care for those who defend the state at great personal risk.”
Meanwhile, the state government has rolled out additional logistical support, including motorcycles and tactical equipment, to strengthen the operational capacity of forest guards and vigilante units in identified security flashpoints.
According to government officials, the reinforcements are designed to enhance rapid response capabilities and complement the ongoing efforts of conventional security forces in the fight against kidnapping and banditry across Kwara State.
