Dr. Abiodun Essiet concluded her three-day working visit to Kwara State with strategic consultations with key stakeholders, aimed at tackling the community’s growing security challenges. As part of these engagements, she received on a courtesy visit the Executive Chairman of Edu Local Government Area and the Councillor representing Gbugbu Ward in Edu LGA of Kwara State.
The visit was prompted by the recent security situation in Gbugbu town and neighbouring communities in Edu and Patigi LGAs. The local government representatives used the opportunity to brief Dr. Essiet on the issues faced by their communities and to seek stronger collaboration with security agencies and relevant authorities to restore peace and stability.
Following the courtesy call, Dr. Essiet led the delegation to the headquarters of the 22 Armoured Brigade, which hosts the newly launched Theatre Command, Operation Savannah Shield; a joint military offensive created to combat rising cases of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping in Kwara State and neighbouring Niger State.
The delegation held an extensive engagement with the Theatre Commander, Maj. Gen. Yakub Yahaya, and the Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Brig. Gen. N. N. Rume. Discussions focused on the security realities in affected communities, ongoing military operations, and the need for sustained cooperation between the armed forces and local populations.
During the meeting, Dr. Essiet presented the feedback gathered from the physical session of the Citizens’ Assembly held yesterday in Omu-Aran, Ifelodun LGA, Kwara South Senatorial District, reflecting the concerns, fears, and expectations of community members.
These engagements would further strengthen security responses, restoring confidence among residents, and ensuring that communities impacted by insecurity can safely return to normal social and economic activities.