Following a deadly attack by armed bandits in Oke-Ode, the Kwara State Government has announced a change in the venue of its 2025 Medical and Surgical Outreach Program scheduled for Ifelodun Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Ahmed El-Imam, on Sunday approved the relocation of the outreach from the Specialist Hospital in Oke-Ode to the Cottage Hospital in Omupo. The programme, aimed at delivering free and quality healthcare services, will now take place on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
The decision comes after a brutal incident in Oke-Ode early Sunday morning, where armed bandits invaded the town, reportedly killing and abducting more than ten people. The attack has raised serious security concerns, prompting the government to act swiftly in order to ensure the safety of both medical personnel and residents expected to benefit from the outreach.
Dr El-Imam stated that the relocation is part of the ministry’s broader security review across the state and is intended to make the outreach more accessible while guaranteeing the safety of participants.
“The decision was taken after careful consideration of the recent security developments in parts of the state. We are committed to delivering quality healthcare, but we must also ensure that our people and staff are safe,” she said.
According to a statement by the Press Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Saad Hamdalat, the medical outreach will offer a range of free healthcare services, including medical consultations, minor and major surgical procedures, and other essential treatments.
The outreach is part of the state government’s continued effort to improve access to healthcare, especially in underserved areas. This programme is one of several initiatives introduced under the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration to bring medical care closer to the grassroots.
Dr El-Imam also urged residents of Ifelodun Local Government Area and surrounding communities to make good use of the opportunity, adding that the government remains fully committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of all Kwarans.
“We want the people to know that their health and safety are our top priorities. We encourage them to come out for the outreach and get the medical attention they need,” she said.
Meanwhile, security agencies have reportedly been deployed to the troubled area in Oke-Ode, although the state government has yet to announce further actions regarding the attack.
This is not the first time violence has disrupted government programmes in parts of Kwara State, and the situation continues to raise concerns about the safety of rural communities.
