Kwara banditry: Babanla residents return home months after fleeing attacks

Residents of Babanla community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara have returned to their ancestral homes months after fleeing the area over security concerns linked to banditry.

The return followed an improvement in the security situation in the community, with stakeholders declaring that peace and normalcy had gradually returned to Babanla.

This was contained in a communiqué issued after a meeting involving members of the Babanla Community Development Association, community stakeholders and the National Transition Implementation Committee.

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The communiqué, signed by Mallam Lookman Yusuf, said the meeting was convened to review developments concerning peace, security and the general development of the community over the past year.

The stakeholders expressed satisfaction with the gradual return of residents and the restoration of peace and security in the area.

It would be recalled that residents had earlier deserted their homes at the height of the security crisis, while security agencies took over the community and surrounding areas in an effort to restore order.

According to the communiqué, many residents who left the community during the crisis have now returned and resumed their businesses and other economic activities.

The stakeholders commended the security agencies deployed to the community for what they described as professionalism and proactive measures in addressing the security challenges.

They said the efforts of the security personnel had helped to safeguard lives and property and create an environment conducive to the return of residents.

The meeting also passed a vote of confidence in the Transition Executive Committee (TEC), praising its chairman and members for their efforts since their inauguration.

The stakeholders approved the committee’s proposed action plan and urged members to pursue the programmes with commitment and urgency.

Among the priority projects highlighted were the installation of a solar-powered water pump and the reticulation of pipes to designated areas, financial support for youth activities, and assistance for local vigilante operations.

The stakeholders also appealed to indigenes of Babanla to avoid statements capable of damaging the reputation of the community, particularly the spread of unverified or false information.

The Oba-in-Council was commended for its resilience during the period of insecurity, while the Prince and Princess Forum was praised for its contributions towards restoring stability.

The Youth Forum was also commended for its patriotism, focus, and dedication to the development of Babanla, while the Patriotic Forum was recognised for its role in driving the community’s development agenda.

The meeting also raised more than N3 million to support the implementation of the planned development projects in the community.