Following recent armed robbery attacks, which claimed two lives along Ilorin-Jebba Highway, the Kwara State Government yesterday donated four new Toyota Hilux patrol vans and other equipment to the police to enhance their operations.

Three of the vans with in-built police frequency radio were specifically dedicated to Ilorin-Bode-Saaud-Jebba Highway, while the fourth one is meant for the Special Anti Rubber Squad (SARS). Other equipments include 40 torchlight, 40 retrofitted general purpose security bullet proof vest for front and near vital organs protection and 10 Kenwood walkie-talkie sets.

Speaking on the occasion, the state Deputy Governor, Chief Joel Afolabi Ogundeji noted that the gesture was a swift response to the increasing menace of armed robbery, reiterating government preparedness to assist the police to curb the social ill.

He said government would not relent in providing the wherewithal for adequate security in the state “until they (robbers) leave us alone”.

Ogundeji urged the police to put the vehicles and other equipment to good use, expressing optimism that the items would assist in enhancing the work.

Also speaking, Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji AbdulGanuyu Cook Olododo stated that the donation was prompted by the recent robbery incidents along Jebba and where a local government officer and a policeman got killed, hinting that a larger number of the vehicles would be handed over by the state government to the police next week to improve their services.

Olododo reaffirmed the state governor, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki’s concern for security of lives and property, describing him as a governor who is responsible for the yearning of his people.

Receiving the items, the State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Mamman Sule thanked the state government for the gesture, assuring that the police would leave no stone unturned until robbery is wiped out of the state completely.

Ja’far Kane

Ilorin

05/02/10