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Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State welcomed 23 individuals who were recently rescued by the Nigerian Army on Tuesday.
While receiving the freed individuals, the governor expressed his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the security agencies for their assistance.
Abdulrazaq congratulated the victims on their newfound freedom and assured them that efforts would continue to eliminate the criminal elements responsible for their abduction.
“We thank God that you have all been freed as a result of the pressure exerted by the security forces,” he stated during the brief handover ceremony at the 22 Armoured Brigade Headquarters in Sobi, Ilorin, the state capital.
“We also express our gratitude to the Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their collaborative efforts in achieving this success.
“We are pleased to see 23 victims released and presented today. We appreciate the Army and the Medical Centre here for taking care of them since their rescue.
“We are aware of their struggles, and I assure you that the government will support their rehabilitation. The challenges we face are temporary.
“As the GoC has stated, it is either the criminals leave Kwara or they perish here. This is a state of harmony.”
Abdulrazaq acknowledged the Army and the new Brigade Commander for deploying troops to the state and committed to providing ongoing support to the Armed Forces.
“The GoC has been present for the last two weeks, and since his arrival, we have witnessed a turnaround in events. We have seen criminals fleeing, with many arrested or neutralized. Peace is being restored to Kwara,” he added.
As the Chairman of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum (NGF), Abdulrazaq stated that his administration would deploy forest guards as soon as the Army completes the cleanup operation in the affected areas to ensure peace and facilitate the return of farming activities.
The governor was welcomed by Brigadier General Nicholas Rume, the Brigade Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade Sobi.
Accompanying the governor were Alhaji Abdullateef Gidado Alakawa, the Chairman of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, and Alhaji Muyideen Aliyu, the Senior Special Assistant on Security.
Brigadier General Rume, in his address, recognized the support that the troops have received from the state government and vowed to maintain pressure on the criminals until they are completely removed from Kwara State.
“Your Excellency, I sincerely thank you once again. We truly appreciate your efforts because many operations would not have been possible without them,” he remarked.
“We assure you that we will continue to do our utmost until these miscreants are expelled from this area. As the General Officer Commanding stated upon my arrival, his directive is clear: 'It is either the bandits leave Kwara State or they perish.' That is my sole mandate, and I will strive with my officers to accomplish this.”
Pastor Obafemi, one of the victims, shared his harrowing experience, describing it as a traumatic ordeal to be held captive by the criminals.
He expressed gratitude to the government and security agencies for saving their lives.
“I thank the governor and the troops for their efforts that led to our rescue. May God empower you to continue pressing forward and overcoming those who torment us,” Obafemi stated.
FAQs
What actions will the government take to ensure the safety of the residents?
The government plans to deploy forest guards after the Army completes its cleanup operation in the affected areas to maintain peace and support the return of farming activities.
How did the Nigerian Army contribute to the rescue of the abductees?
The Nigerian Army, along with other security agencies, exerted pressure on the criminals, leading to the successful rescue of the abductees.
