Omu-Aran Army Battalion: Irepodun Council, Traditional Rulers Pledge Support

Executive Chairman of Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Abdulazeez Yakub, has commended the Federal and Kwara State governments for deploying an Army battalion to Omu-Aran, headquarters of the council and a key community in Kwara South.

Yakub, who spoke during a reception for the troops in Omu-Aran, assured the Nigerian Army of the council’s full cooperation in the discharge of its security responsibilities.

He also pledged the council’s commitment to supporting the welfare and operational needs of the officers and soldiers deployed to the area.

The Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Abdulraheem Oladele Adeoti, also welcomed the deployment, describing it as a major step towards strengthening security across Omu-Aran and neighbouring communities.

The monarch said traditional rulers and residents of the area were pleased with the decision to establish the battalion in Omu-Aran.

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for responding to security concerns in Kwara South, particularly communities that have experienced attacks and other criminal activities in recent times.

The Olomu assured the Army of the cooperation of traditional institutions and residents, while pledging support for the welfare of the troops and their smooth operation in Omu-Aran and surrounding communities.

Also speaking, the President of the Omu-Aran Development Association, Prince Niyi Adeyeye, described the deployment as a significant intervention capable of improving security and restoring confidence among residents.

Adeyeye noted that insecurity had affected lives, property, livelihoods and economic activities in parts of Kwara South, commending security agencies, vigilantes and community volunteers for their efforts in protecting residents.

Responding, the Commander of 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Nicholas Rume, thanked the people of Omu-Aran for the warm reception accorded the troops.

Rume explained that the deployment was part of efforts by the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army to expand operational capacity and strengthen security across the country.

He said the battalion would work with existing security structures to address criminal activities and further stabilise Kwara South.

In his remarks, the Esinkin Olomu of Omu-Aran and retired Major General, Lasisi Yemi Abidoye, commended the Federal and State governments for choosing Omu-Aran as the location for the battalion.

Abidoye urged the troops to maintain professionalism and strictly observe military rules of engagement in their dealings with residents, while assuring them of the community’s cooperation.

The reception was attended by traditional rulers such as Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Abdulraheem Oladele Adeoti, fnitp, Alaran of Aran-Orin, Oba Joseph Oyeyipo Babalola and Alaran of Arandun, Oba Ibikunle Adekanye.

Others include; Oloko of Oko, Oba Oluwafemi Adogunnibo, Onipetu of Ipetu, Oba Samuel Olabanji Erinfolami and Onirore of Rore, Oba Ezekiel Olawale Oyewale, community leaders, security stakeholders and residents, including women who waited for several hours to welcome the newly deployed troops to Omu-Aran.