Former Governor of Kwara State, Late Admiral Mohammed Alabi Lawal has been commended for his role at strengthening the operations of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, VGN to step up security during his tenure as governor of the State. This was made known by the State Commandant of the VGN, Alhaji Abdulraheem Jimoh Serikindadi in his address during the 2022 Kwara State Vigilante day in Ilorin last Saturday.
Established on the 3rd of August, 1998 and incorporated with the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC on 18th February 1999, the Vigilante Group of Group, VGN has been complimenting the efforts of security agencies in the state in line with its aims and objectives.
The VGN Commander who was speaking through his deputy, Busari Omo-Ola Tajudeen added that the late former governor was part of the success story of the organization by providing grants for the operation of the group in the state.
According to the VGN Commandant, “the late former Governor Lawal approved the payment of annual subvention to the VGN throughout his tenure as governor of the state. We pray for his soul to continue rest in perfect peace, amen.”
The administration of the Late Lawal has been continuously commended by groups and organizations, including traditional rulers and religious bodies for his great achievements in the state.
The VGN Day also saw the gubernatorial candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kwara State, Alhaji Hakeem Oladimeji Lawal promising to give massive assistance to the group in other to strengthen their operational efficiency if elected to power in the forthcoming election in the State.
Dr. Bolaji Afolabi, the Secretary of the SDP Campaign Council who spoke on behalf of the governor at the event explained that security of lives and property is key to economic development and prosperity which remain a major programme of his party.
He noted that SDP government will not only sustain the legacy of the Late Lawal but also provide massive logistics and support for the VGN to discharge its duty.
Kwara state has been a state of great peace, security and harmony until the coming of the present administration when the monster of insecurity shattered the peaceful nature of the State.
For instance, on 19th July, 2019, four white men were kidnapped at Gbugbu in Edu Local Government area of the state. The kidnapped Turkish was rescued in Isanlu Makutu area of Kogi by Kwara VGN on the 26th July, 2022 in collaboration with men of the Nigerian Police Force.
Also, twenty five kidnappers were arrested in Ekiti Local Government area of Kwara state in March, 2022.
A month later, four kidnap gangs were also arrested and handed over to the police by Kwara VGN in Isin Local Government area of the state.
Till now, despite the efforts of the VGN and other security agencies in the State, the monster of insecurity is still holding the State by the jugular as the fear of kidnapping and kidnappers has become the beginning of wisdom, especially in Ilorin, the State capital.
The SDP entourage was led to the event by the Deputy Governorship candidate, Reverend Joshua Olakunle, the Director General of the Party’s Campaign Council, Alhaji Khaleel Bolaji, Secretary of the Campaign Council, Dr. Bolaji Afolabi and other party chieftains.
