Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Tuesday received 23 abductees recently rescued by the Nigerian Army, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to eliminate kidnappers and restore lasting peace across the state.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony at the 22 Armoured Brigade Headquarters, Sobi, Ilorin, the Governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and lauded the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their coordinated operations that led to the victims’ release.
“We thank God that you were all freed following the pressure from the security forces,” AbdulRazaq said. “We also appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and the Nigerian Army for their relentless efforts. These criminals have no place in Kwara State.”
The Governor, who expressed joy at seeing the victims alive and healthy, assured them of government’s full support for their rehabilitation. He praised the Army and the medical team at the brigade for their swift response and care since the rescue operation.
“The challenges we are going through are temporary,” AbdulRazaq added. “It is either the criminals leave Kwara or they die here. This is a state of harmony, and we will not allow them to destroy our peace.”
He further disclosed plans to deploy forest guards after the Army’s mop-up operations to secure rural communities and enable farmers to return safely to their farmlands.
The Governor was received by the Brigade Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade Sobi, Brigadier General Nicholas Rume, alongside top government officials including Alhaji Abdullateef Gidado Alakawa, Chairman of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, and the Senior Special Assistant on Security, Alhaji Muyideen Aliyu.
Brigadier General Rume commended the state government for its consistent support to the military, assuring that the troops would sustain pressure on the bandits until peace is fully restored.
“Your Excellency, without your support, many of our operations would not have been possible,” Rume said. “Our mandate is clear: it is either the bandits leave Kwara State or they die here — and we will continue to act on that directive.”
One of the freed victims, Pastor Obafemi, who narrated his ordeal, described the experience as “traumatic,” expressing gratitude to the Governor and the security agencies for their intervention.
“I thank the Governor and the troops for saving our lives. God will strengthen you to continue this fight until peace returns to our communities,” he said.
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