A former member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Mashood Bakare, has urged the Federal Government to investigate claims that the Kwara State Government supplied arms and ammunition to bandits operating in parts of the state. He made the call on Sunday in Ilorin, following statements reportedly made by suspected bandits arrested by the military.
Viral Video Sparks Concern
The call follows a one-minute, 36-second video that went viral on Saturday. The footage shows soldiers interrogating suspected bandits allegedly patrolling with AK-47 rifles in a security patrol vehicle marked with the inscription of Ifelodun Local Government Area.
In the video, the suspects, lying face down with hands tied, claimed in Hausa and Pidgin English that the patrol vehicle and weapons were provided by the “Ilorin government.” They said they had conducted multiple patrols under the supervision of security operatives.
“We have been here for quite a while. We are using the vehicle for patrol. Wallahi, na the truth I dey tell you. Ilorin government na him give us this motor and the weapons,” one suspect said, adding that the arms were collected from a superior identified as “Oga Victor.”
Bakare Calls for Investigation
Bakare described the allegations as disturbing. He emphasised that the government is constitutionally responsible for protecting lives and property. Citing persistent bandit attacks, he highlighted the deteriorating security situation in Ifelodun Local Government Area.
“Almost half of Ifelodun has experienced bandit attacks. People can no longer go to their farms, communities have been deserted, and residents now live in fear,” he said.
The former lawmaker called for a transparent investigation and urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies to curb insecurity.
State Government Dismisses Claims
However, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Rafiu Ajakaye, dismissed the allegations as “sheer disinformation.” He claimed the suspects were arrested in Auchi, Edo State, not Ifelodun, Kwara. He also stated that the suspects had said they obtained the weapons from Abuja, not Kwara.
Ajakaye added that the Ifelodun Local Government had previously clarified the use of the patrol vehicle seen in the video.
Security Situation Remains a Concern
The controversy has reignited discussions about worsening security in Kwara State and the need for thorough investigations into the claims.
