Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has denied claims made in a viral video alleging that his administration sponsors or provides refuge to bandits, describing the allegations as groundless and misleading.
The governor made the remarks on Wednesday, December 17, in Ilorin while declaring open the Kwara State Police Security Summit, which focused on strengthening partnerships between communities and law enforcement agencies.
“Under no circumstances has the Kwara State Government harboured or provided safe haven to bandits, contrary to claims being peddled in the widely circulated video,” the governor stated through his Special Adviser and Counsellor, Alhaji Sa’adudeen Salahu.
AbdulRazaq said security and peace remain top priorities for his administration, noting that his government continues to provide financial and logistical support to security agencies in their operations across the state.
“This administration has provided a conducive atmosphere to ensure peaceful coexistence in the state,” he said.
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He added that the state had taken proactive steps to address root causes of insecurity, such as youth unemployment, through economic empowerment and job creation initiatives.
“We are committed to supporting security agencies in their fight against crimes and criminality in Kwara State.
“Part of this commitment is the provision of employment opportunities to about 10,000 youths to reduce idleness and, by extension, crime in the society,” he said.
The governor thanked President Bola Tinubu and the Office of the National Security Adviser for their continued assistance in ensuring safety in Kwara and across Nigeria.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and work closely with police and community leaders to keep the state peaceful.