Residents of Omu-Aran in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have welcomed the deployment of a Nigerian Army battalion to the community, describing it as a major step towards strengthening security in Kwara South.
The community expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Kwara State Government for supporting the establishment of the battalion, to enhance security operations across the area.
At a reception organised to welcome the troops, the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba AbdulRaheem Adeoti, said traditional rulers and residents were pleased with the deployment.
He pledged the community’s support for the battalion and assured the troops of cooperation to enable them discharge their duties effectively.
“We are together by the grace of God. The Lord who has brought us together has done so in peace, and we pray that this development will continue to bring blessings, security and progress to our communities,” he said.
The monarch also commended the military authorities for retaining Omu-Aran as the location of the battalion.
The Executive Chairman of Irepodun Local Government Area, Abdulazeez Yakub, also expressed appreciation to the Federal and Kwara State governments for the establishment of the battalion.
Yakub assured the Nigerian Army of the council’s cooperation and support in carrying out its security responsibilities.
“On behalf of the people of Irepodun Local Government, I assure you of our full cooperation and support as you carry out your duties,” he said.
President of the Omu-Aran Development Association (ODA), Prince Niyi Adeyeye, said the deployment would help strengthen peace and security in Omu-Aran and other parts of Kwara South.
Adeyeye commended security agencies, local vigilantes and community security volunteers for their efforts in protecting residents and communities in the area.
He also praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for responding to the security concerns of residents.
“We are particularly grateful to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for responding decisively to the security concerns of the people of Kwara South and Omu-Aran in particular,” Adeyeye said.
Adeyeye described the deployment as an indication of the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting lives and property and restoring peace and economic stability to affected communities.
A community leader and retired General, Lasisi Abidoye, also acknowledged the contributions of President Tinubu and Governor AbdulRazaq to the establishment of the battalion.
Abidoye assured the officers and soldiers deployed to Omu-Aran of the community’s support in carrying out their responsibilities.
Earlier, the Commander of 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Nicholas Rume, thanked residents for the warm reception accorded the officers and soldiers.
Rume said the deployment was part of the Federal Government’s directive to expand the Nigerian Army’s operational capacity across the country.
He said the Chief of Army Staff had deployed the battalion to strengthen security operations and address security incidents across Kwara South.
Rume also urged the troops to build on the goodwill of the community, noting that cooperation between security agencies and residents was critical to successful operations.
Ali Rabiu Muhammad
