A former member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Mashood Bakare, has called on the Federal Government to investigate allegations that arms and ammunition were supplied to bandits terrorising parts of Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.
Bakare’s call followed the circulation of a viral video showing Nigerian soldiers arresting suspected bandits found patrolling with AK-47 rifles in a local security patrol vehicle in Ifelodun LGA.
In the video, the suspects were seen lying face-down on the ground as soldiers interrogated them about their activities and the source of the weapons. One of the suspects, who spoke in Hausa and Nigerian Pidgin, alleged that the patrol vehicle and rifles were provided by the government.
“We have been here for quite a while. We are using the vehicle for patrol. Wallahi, na the truth I dey tell you,” the suspect said.
“Ilorin government na him give us this motor and the weapons.”
The suspect further claimed that the arms were collected by their superior, identified only as “Victor,” insisting that several individuals were involved.
Reacting on Sunday in Ilorin, Bakare described the allegations as disturbing, stressing that government is constitutionally responsible for protecting lives and property.
“This came as a surprise to me because government is supposed to protect the people. Now, when criminals are arrested, the first claim is that the state government is aware of it,” he said.
Bakare lamented the worsening insecurity in Ifelodun LGA, describing the situation as unprecedented in Kwara State.
“Almost half of my local government, Ifelodun, has witnessed bandit attacks. People can no longer go to their farms, communities have been deserted, and residents now sleep in fear,” he said.
The former lawmaker, who represented Omupo Constituency between 2011 and 2019, described the allegations as weighty and called for a thorough and transparent investigation.
“There must be a serious investigation into these allegations, and the findings must be made public,” Bakare said.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to help curb criminal activities.
Meanwhile, the Ifelodun Local Government Authority has commended the Nigerian Army for recovering a security van earlier provided by the council as logistical support to vigilante operatives.
In a statement issued in Ilorin, the Chairman of the council, Alhaji Femi Yusuf, said the vehicle was recovered in Auchi, Edo State, following sustained efforts by the council and relevant security agencies.
According to him, the van was deployed to support coordinated security operations against criminal gangs in parts of Ifelodun LGA but could not be retrieved after the withdrawal of the vigilante operatives, prompting reports to security authorities.
“The Ifelodun Local Government Authority commends the vigilance, professionalism, and dedication of the Nigerian Army personnel whose efforts led to the recovery of the vehicle,” the statement said.
The council reaffirmed its commitment to working with security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property across Kwara State.
Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
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