The Oke-Ode community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State has appealed to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to urgently deploy security operatives to the town, following last Sunday’s bandit attack that claimed about 13 lives, left five persons kidnapped, and many others injured.

Speaking on behalf of the community during the governor’s condolence visit, the National President of the Oke-Ode Community Development Association (OOCDA), Alhaji Ganiyu O. A. Bello, described the attack as “pathetic and devastating,” noting that the level of destruction was unquantifiable.

He disclosed that the September 28 assault forced nearly 90 per cent of residents to flee their homes out of fear of further attacks.

“During the attack, about 13 lives were lost, five people were kidnapped, while many others who sustained various degrees of injuries were presently receiving treatment in different hospitals. The situation we find ourselves in is pathetic and calls for the government’s intervention to enable us to have peace,” Alhaji Bello said.

The community leader listed key demands, including the immediate deployment of security personnel, approval and installation of a new Elesha of Oke-Ode, and proper arming of local hunters and vigilantes.

He also urged the state government to investigate allegations that the head of the vigilante team, identified as Mr. Victor, withdrew firearms from local security volunteers a day before the attack. Bello stressed that if verified, such actions must attract sanctions to prevent future lapses.

While commending Governor AbdulRazaq for his developmental strides across the state, the community further appealed for the rehabilitation of the remaining portion of the Igbaja–Oke Ode–Shegbe road.

In his response, Governor AbdulRazaq commiserated with the people, praying for the repose of the souls of the victims and thanking security forces, forest guards, and vigilantes for repelling the attackers.

“We have come to commiserate with the community over the attacks. It is also commendable that the security forces, forest guards, and vigilantes repelled them and restored peace to the community,” the governor said.

The governor assured residents that their demands would be carefully addressed, noting that discussions were ongoing with the Federal Government on the deployment of military personnel to the area.

On the allegation against the vigilante leader, AbdulRazaq said he immediately invited two leaders of the group, who both denied the claim.