Offa Tragedy Is Not a Tool for Cheap Popularity

By Chief Abdulrazak Abiodun Lawal Oko-Ode

The good people of Offa and Kwara State still mourn the innocent souls lost in the tragic bank robbery of April 5, 2018. Seven years later, those families deserve justice, closure, and lasting security — not political games.

It is therefore disturbing that instead of addressing the pressing issues of insecurity, unemployment, and poor governance that currently trouble our state, the sitting governor has chosen to resurrect the Offa robbery case as a talking point.

Let the record be clear: this case was thoroughly investigated. Suspects were arrested, prosecuted, and the alleged attempt to blackmail the then Senate President was exposed for what it was — conspiracy and politics. No court of law established that link.

To weaponize the pain of Offa victims for cheap popularity in 2026 is to insult their memory. Equity, fairness, and justice demand that:
1. Law enforcement, not politicians, should handle criminal cases — without media trials or selective outrage.
2. Government’s energy must focus on today’s insecurity that has made our people sleep with one eye open.
3. Leadership should unite, not divide by dredging up settled controversies to distract from its own record.

We urge the governor to concentrate on the mandate he was given: secure lives and property, create jobs, and run an inclusive government. The people of Offa and Kwara deserve governance, not grandstanding.

The victims of April 5, 2018 deserve justice. The living deserve a government that works.

Signed,
High Chief Abdulrazak Abiodun Lawal Oko-Ode(Bullet)
Aspirant, House of Representatives
Offa, Oyun & Ifelodun Federal Constituency.