Peace has gradually returned to Babanla community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, following months of persistent bandit attacks that forced scores of residents to flee their ancestral homes.
Gatekeepers News reports that at the height of the security crisis, residents reportedly abandoned the community in desperation, while security agencies took control of the town and its surrounding areas in a bid to restore order.
With residents now gradually returning, the community’s development association, stakeholders and the National Transition Implementation Committee met at the weekend to review issues surrounding peace, security and the overall development of Babanla over the past year.
At the end of the meeting, the stakeholders issued a communiqué expressing satisfaction with the improved security situation and the restoration of peace in the community.
They also welcomed the return of many residents who had fled at the peak of the crisis, noting that several had resumed their businesses and other activities.
The stakeholders commended the security agencies deployed to the community “for their professionalism and proactiveness in handling the security issues in the town thus guaranteeing peace and security of life and properties.”
The meeting also passed a vote of confidence in the Transition Executive Committee (TEC), commending its chairman and members for what they described as significant achievements within a short period of their inauguration.
The stakeholders gave overwhelming approval to the committee’s proposed action plan and urged the executive to implement the programme with commitment and urgency.
Among the priorities identified were the installation of a solar-powered water pump and reticulation of pipes to designated areas, as well as financial assistance for youth activities and local vigilantes.
The meeting also appealed to indigenes of Babanla to avoid statements or actions capable of damaging the reputation of the community, particularly through the spread of false information.
The communiqué, signed by Mallam Lookman Yusuf, also commended the Oba-in-Council for its resilience during the period of insecurity.
It praised the Prince and Princess Forum for their contributions towards restoring stability, while the Youth Forum was commended for its patriotism, focus and dedication to the Babanla development project.
The Patriotic Forum was also recognised for its role as a vanguard in driving the community’s development agenda.
At the meeting, stakeholders and participants raised more than N3 million to fund various development projects and activities outlined for the community.
