Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq denies sponsoring bandits, highlights security initiatives and youth employment at state police security summit

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has dismissed claims that the state government sponsored bandits, describing a widely circulated video suggesting such ties as baseless.

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The governor made the remarks while declaring open the Kwara State Police Security Summit in Ilorin.

Represented by his Special Adviser and Counsellor, Alhaji Sa’adudeen Salahu, AbdulRazaq emphasised that security remains a top priority for his administration and reiterated support for security agencies combating crime in the state.

“This administration has provided a conducive atmosphere to ensure peaceful coexistence in the state,” the governor said.

He highlighted proactive measures taken to address insecurity, including youth unemployment, noting that employment opportunities for about 10,000 youths had been provided to reduce idleness and, by extension, crime.

AbdulRazaq commended security agencies for maintaining law and order and expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the Office of the National Security Adviser for prioritising security in Kwara and nationwide.

He called for collective efforts among government, security agencies, and communities to make Kwara one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria.

Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, said the summit, themed “Taking Back Our Communities: The Police–Public Partnership Against Violent Crime,” aimed to bring stakeholders together to address emerging security challenges through community policing.

He acknowledged that banditry and kidnapping had affected local government areas including Ifelodun, Irepodun, Edu, Patigi, Baruten, Kaiama, Ekiti, and Isin.

Delivering a lecture, retired Assistant Inspector General of Police Adegboye Olafimihan urged that security is a shared responsibility, noting factors such as banditry, kidnapping, drug abuse, farmer-herder conflicts, and natural disasters as contributors to insecurity.

He called for strengthened community policing, peaceful coexistence, and citizen engagement in intelligence gathering.

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The summit featured interactive sessions with traditional rulers, youth groups, religious organisations, and other security stakeholders, all contributing strategies to tackle crime and enhance safety across Kwara State.