Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq presented N80 million in cheques to the families of forest guards and vigilantes killed in recent clashes with kidnappers.

The governor’s chief press secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, October 13, 2025. 

The victims lost their lives during encounters in the Babanla, Oke Ode, and Eleyin areas of the Ifelodun and Isin Local Government Areas.

The Governor also approved N100 million in support for the families of “community fighters” in Edu and Patigi who were killed in a July ambush after setting out to confront kidnappers.

While presenting the cheques in Ilorin over the weekend, Governor AbdulRazaq saluted the bravery and patriotism of the deceased.

“We pray for the souls of the deceased. It was an unfortunate incident. They died in active service. Government cannot but sympathise with the families,” the Governor said.

The Governor pledged continued efforts to ensure safety across the state. “We will do the needful to keep supporting them and making sure that the state is safe and our country is safe,” he stated. 

He added, “As you can see, the military has moved in with full force. We look forward to supporting the Nigerian Army and other security agencies as they chase the criminals out of the state.”

In addition to the financial support, the State Government has supplied new logistics support, including fighting equipment and motorcycles, for the forest guards and vigilantes maintained by communities in the flashpoints. 

This aid aims to position the local security groups to better hunt down kidnappers and defend their communities, complementing the efforts of conventional security forces.

Local leaders, including APC chieftain Alhaji Abdullateef Gidado Alakawa and Ifelodun Chairman Alhaji Femi Yusuf, commended the governor’s gesture, noting it would help ameliorate the suffering of the bereaved families.