Babanla More Secure Now After FG, Kwara Govt Interventions — Monarch
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Oba of Babanla in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Aliyu Adegboyega Alabi Yusuf Arojojoye II, has commended the Federal Government and the Kwara State Government for their security interventions, saying the community is now more secure following a deadly bandit attack that claimed five lives and displaced many residents.
The monarch, who spoke during an interview with some Defence Editors at his palace, said the August 8, 2025 attack by armed bandits left the community in fear after several people were killed, properties looted and economic activities disrupted.
He, however, noted that the swift response by security agencies and government authorities helped to stabilise the situation.
Oba Arojojoye said the deployment of military personnel by the Federal Government, alongside other security operatives, significantly improved security in the area and encouraged displaced residents to gradually return to their homes.
He added that the Kwara State Government complemented the efforts through various security initiatives aimed at protecting communities across the axis.
According to the traditional ruler, the state government strengthened local security architecture through the training and deployment of 211 forest guards, activation of vigilante networks and provision of logistics to security agencies.
He said motorcycles were distributed to enhance mobility in difficult terrains, while communication gadgets and surveillance equipment improved coordination among operatives.
“Babanla is more secure now than it was after the attack. We appreciate the Federal Government for deploying soldiers and other security personnel to the area. We also commend the Kwara State Government for supporting security agencies and introducing measures that have strengthened security across our communities,” he said.
The monarch noted that the combined efforts of the military, police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Department of State Services, DSS, forest guards and local vigilantes had helped restore confidence among residents and businesses affected by the attack.
Despite the improved security situation, Oba Arojojoye expressed concern over occasional cases of kidnapping along some rural roads linking Babanla with neighbouring communities, including Oko-Ode, Oreke, Alabe and Idera.
He appealed for sustained security operations and increased surveillance to prevent a resurgence of criminal activities.
He also called for the rehabilitation of major roads in the area, saying improved infrastructure would support security operations and facilitate faster response to emergencies.
In his reactions, the Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Abdulrasheed Yusuf, also commended the Federal and Kwara State Governments for their commitment to addressing insecurity in the area.
He said the distribution of more than 40 motorcycles to security formations and enhanced welfare support for operatives had strengthened ongoing security operations.
Yusuf added that the deployment of forest guards had boosted surveillance across forested areas previously exploited by criminal elements, while joint patrols involving security agencies and local vigilantes continued to keep communities safe.
He said although significant progress had been made, stakeholders must remain vigilant and continue to work together to sustain the gains recorded in the fight against insecurity.
