Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has paid glowing tribute to a forest guard who lost his life in a confrontation with suspected kidnappers, describing him as a hero in the ongoing battle against banditry and insecurity.

The deceased, identified as Mr. Omotosho Olawuyi Samuel, was killed on Sunday, February 8, 2026, during a security operation in the bush around Koro community in Ekiti Local Government Area, a border area near Kogi State.

According to reports, Samuel and a combined team of forest guards, local hunters, and vigilantes responded to intelligence about armed bandits in the vicinity and engaged them.

In a statement issued in Ilorin on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, Governor AbdulRazaq expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling it “devastating.” He commended Samuel’s bravery and patriotism, noting that the fallen guard made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the community.

“He is our hero, and we ask God to give succour to his family,” the governor said, while extending condolences to the bereaved family, colleagues, and the wider security network.

To support the grieving family, Governor AbdulRazaq announced a N10 million financial assistance package as a token of the state government’s appreciation for Samuel’s service and sacrifice in the collective fight against kidnapping and banditry.

The gesture underscores the administration’s commitment to recognizing and supporting those on the front lines of security efforts in the state.

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has lauded the roles played by the Pan-African conglomerate, Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), as a strategic partner in the industrial and economic development of the state through investments.

Governor Abiodun expressed the gratitude yesterday, during the flagged off ceremony for the 15th Gateway International Trade Fair with the theme, “Promoting Businesses Through Partnerships,” at the M.K.O Abiola Trade Fair Complex, Laderin, Abeokuta.

He said that the state government proudly recognises the Dangote Group as “a truly exemplary strategic partner in the collective pursuit of industrial advancement and sustainable economic development in the state.”

The Governor was represented by the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Adebola Sofela.

In his welcome address, President of OGUNCCIMA, Niyi Osiyemi, commended the state government for creating an enabling environment for businesses to flourish and for the provision of support, which had translated into six editions of the trade fair held consecutively in the last six years.

Also, National President of NACCIMA, Dr Jani Ibrahim, represented by Dr Michael Olawale Cole, lauded the Ogun State Governor for his administration’s business-friendly policies, which have made the business environment conducive.

The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, said on Wednesday that his administration has destroyed over 62 criminal camps in the state.

The governor also said the Southeast geopolitical zone lost heavily from the sit-at-home order declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) over the incarceration of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, with some people diverting their businesses and investments outside the zone as a result.

He added, however, that with the stoppage of the sit-at-home, over 45,000 shops reopened on Monday at Onitsha Main Market, with business activities at their peak and traders in jubilation.

Professor Soludo stated this while speaking with State House correspondents after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Soludo said that in an attempt to stamp out criminality in the state and ensure it is secure, he set up a vigilante group called Agunechemba, as well as the anti-cult group and the anti-touting body, adding that the different groups are working collaboratively and very effectively.

He said: “When I assumed office, so far since I came into office, about 62 criminal camps have been dismantled in Anambra, and we’re not resting for one second. In Anambra, we pride ourselves on being the safest — if not, modestly, one of the safest — states in the country, and security is key.