Residents of Ifelodun Local Government Area in Kwara State have turned to spiritual means in their quest to address the persistent security issues affecting their communities.
In a collective effort, the community organized an interdenominational prayer session on Tuesday, appealing for divine intervention to tackle the ongoing security concerns.
Hon. Femi Yusuf, the chairman of the local government council, revealed this during a press briefing held on Wednesday in Ilorin, the state capital, commemorating the first anniversary of his administration.
Due to the prevailing security challenges, Yusuf explained that the anniversary celebration was relocated to Ilorin.
“It would be inappropriate to celebrate while our people continue to suffer,” he remarked. “This is why we chose to hold the press conference here in Ilorin.”
He further emphasized the community’s reliance on spiritual support, stating, “We have turned to God for help in overcoming the security difficulties confronting Ifelodun. That motivated us to organize the interdenominational prayer yesterday.”
However, Yusuf pointed out that some residents have indirectly contributed to the insecurity, noting, “Almost all our people have become informants to the criminals terrorizing their neighborhoods.”
He clarified that no area within the local government has been completely overtaken by criminals, explaining, “These criminals operate from their strongholds.”
“They have coexisted with us for about 15 years and are familiar with the terrain. Interestingly, some of their victims are from the Fulani community,” he added.
The council chairman also expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from the state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, highlighting, “The governor regards himself as one of us and treats us like family.”
On the security front, Yusuf detailed several initiatives his administration has undertaken: acquiring 20 motorcycles to aid local security teams, recruiting and training 100 forest guards, distributing 50 bulletproof vests, equipping personnel with advanced security technology, and enrolling them in a health insurance program.
He continued, “We established the Ifelodun Road Traffic Marshals to reduce accidents during busy market days in Ganmo, Amoyo, and Iyana Share markets. Additionally, we launched a registration campaign targeting non-indigenous residents to maintain accurate population records.”
Yusuf also praised the traditional council for their timely cooperation with the state government in expelling non-state actors from the area. “We have involved them closely in governance, issuing identity cards to all Obas and Baales, providing official number plates to first-class rulers, and initiating similar processes for second, third, and fourth-class traditional leaders.”
He concluded by acknowledging the swift response of the Kwara State government under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the National Security Adviser’s office in reinforcing security forces within the region.
