…Governor AbdulRazaq visits Oke Ode, meets community leaders as crackdown intensifies across state
Security forces in Kwara have killed notorious kidnap kingpin Maidawa and several of his associates in fierce engagements over the weekend along the Kwara–Kogi border.
Intercepted communications obtained by the Department of State Services confirmed Maidawa’s death, which was disclosed to other gang members by another wanted kidnapper, Baccujo, during a conversation with his associates in Katsina State. The message was reportedly passed along the Igboro–Idofin road.
Maidawa, long feared for orchestrating kidnappings and attacks on civilian populations, was eliminated as part of sting operations in parts of Kwara South and North, following urgent interventions sought by the state government.
The operations, which are ongoing, are targeting flashpoints where kidnappers have recently operated, including Ekiti, Ifelodun, Isin, Edu, and Patigi local government areas. Security sources said the aim is to dismantle all hideouts used by criminal gangs who abduct people for ransom.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, meanwhile, visited Oke Ode, Ifelodun LGA on Thursday in company of security commanders and top government officials to reassure residents of government’s support and solidarity.
The Governor addressed community leaders in Oke Ode and is also billed to meet with leaders from Edu and Patigi LGAs later today to brief them on coordinated efforts between the state government, Federal Government, and security agencies to keep communities safe.
“The renewed operations are meant to send a strong signal that criminals have no hiding place in Kwara,” the Governor told residents, urging calm and cooperation with security agencies.
Authorities say the crackdown will continue until all threats are eliminated and peace is restored across the affected areas.
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