The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Kwara State

  • Kwara youths protest against plot to implicate Saraki

    Scores of youths under the aegis of Kwara Agenda on Wednesday protested against alleged plot to implicate Senate President Bukola Saraki on criminal case.

    The protesting youths took their peaceful rally the Kwara state Government House, Ilorin, the state capital

    Leader of the group, Taofiq Olateju told Governor Abdulfattah Ahmed the plot was to link Saraki with a murder case involving one Lanre Mohammed Soliu, who was recently paraded by the police in the state over alleged involvement in cult related murders.

    The protestors carried several placards with various inscriptions such as “Fresh plot to frame Saraki uncovered”, “Stop intimidating Saraki”, “We stand with Saraki” among others.

    Addressing Ahmed, Olateju raised the alarm that the suspect was being transported to Abuja while his crime was allegedly committed in Ilorin.

    He added: “Our attention has been drawn to a fresh plot by the federal government to implicate the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki in a murder case involving one Lanre Mohammed Soliu.

    “It is on record that Lanre Mohammed Soliu was recently paraded alongside five others by the Kwara state police commissioner, Aminu Pai Saleh, as members of Aiye confraternity cult group. Soliu was specifically accused of killing one Yemi Bayero of Ago market, Ilorin. The offences which the suspect allegedly committed were carried out in Ilorin, Kwara state, and expectedly he’s supposed to be tried in a competent court of jurisdiction in the state.

    “We are, however, alarmed by a new twist to the whole issue. As we are speaking with you, Soliu is being transported to Abuja by men of Kwara state police command.

    “This is not our concern, but our concern is about the plot by the powers that be to torture and force the suspect to implicate Dr Bukola Saraki. We have it on good authority that the main purpose of transferring the self- confessed cultist to Abuja is to implicate the Senate President in the whole saga.

    “As concerned youths of Kwara state, we want to appeal to men of conscience across the country to prevail on the federal government to stop intimidating and humiliating our God – sent leader, the President of the Senate. No Senate President in the history of this country has been so humiliated and vilified as Senator Bukola Saraki, for no just cause.

    “Saraki is our leader and a law abiding citizen whose passion is to improve the lots of the common man. He should be left alone to continue the good job he and his colleagues are doing at the National Assembly.

    “We are using this forum to warn those behind this fresh plot to frame and tarnish the image of our leader to retrace their steps. We have no doubt in our mind that this fresh plot like the ones before it shall fail woefully.

    “Dr Bukola Saraki remains committed to the cause of the Nigerian masses, and their prayers and support shall always keep him going and ensure his victory over his adversaries.”

    In his response, Governor Ahmed promised to deliver the message from the youths to the right quarters as he commended their maturity in carrying out the protest.

  • 70,000 voters now registered by Kwara INEC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kwara state on Tuesday said that it has registered about  70,000 eligible voters from April last year till date

    The state Administrative Secretary Paul Atser spoke this in Ilorin at at a meeting with IPAC members. Mr Atser, said that PVC of the registered voters were on the way to the state.

    The INEC boss also said that about 4,000 PVCs were collected out of the 242,000 unclaimed cards.

    On the On-going Continuous Voters Registration CVR exercise, the Administrative Secretary said that the exercise was going on peacefully in the state adding that the Office had not witnessed any ugly incidence.

    He assured that the newly printed PVC for registrants who registered since 2017 would soon be ready for collection and that the stakeholders would be adequately informed; he added that cards owners would have to come by person to collect the cards.

    Read Also: Ekiti 2018: INEC promises not to compromise standard

    Mr. Atser, who appreciated peaceful and serene political environment existing in Kwara state, noted that the political parties had been conducting their activities in peaceful manner devoid of any major rancor as witnessed in several other states and appealed that such should be sustained.

    The Administrative Secretary added that the meeting was called to intimate political parties with the developments that had taken place since their last meeting was held.

    Mr. Atser urged IPAC members to feel free to come to the Commission’s Office on any issue that is not clear to them as his Office doors were widely opened.

    Also speaking, chairman of IPAC in Kwara State, Comrade Abdul-Mumeen Onagun who is also the Labour Party Chairman, commended openness of the state office of INEC in handling all issues relating to political parties and creating level playground all the time.

    He also said that despite INEC efforts on the increased numbers of the registration centers, the centres were still grossly inadequate and the centres were still very far to the registrants. He therefore called on INEC to give more centres so as to ensure no one was disenfranchised.

  • Kwara 2019: Fresh crises in Saraki’s camp

    As the race for the 2019 General Elections gathers momentum, Assistant Editor, Dare Odufowokan, writes on how the scheming and other developments in Kwara State are playing out within the political camp of former governor of the state and current Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki

    BARELY a year to the next general election, the political camp of the President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki, back in his home state of Kwara, appears to be bedeviled with a new wave for crises as some of his political associates, aides and other lieutenants are up in arms against one another, following clashes of interests over their political aspirations in 2019.

    Sources within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the north-central state told The Nation that some close aides of the Senator, who is the indisputable leader of the ruling party in the state, may fall out with him soon over his alleged preferences for some aspirants over some others in the race to political offices, unless something is urgently done to arrest the deteriorating situation ahead of the next general election.

    An aide of the Senate President, who served as a Special Adviser during the last administration in the state, while craving anonymity as he is not authorised to speak on the matter, expressed concern over what he called the mounting pressure on Saraki from a number of his senior associates as regards their 2019 political aspirations and or calculations.

    “What we have on our hand is a situation where some of our very senior leaders within the Saraki political family are fast allowing their political ambitions to cause unnecessary rancor. They seem to have either forgotten how we handle such things or are unwilling to allow the usual process to play out. Such talks about Dr. Saraki favoring some people over some others are causing these tensions you claimed to have noticed.

    Findings by The Nation revealed that the quest for some positions by some of Saraki’s men back home in Kwara State is fast degenerating into open rivalry amongst his supporters, with some of them already engaging in accusations and counter accusations. This is just as some of the issues being alleged to be causing disaffection within the group still remain in the realm of speculations.

    It was gathered that Saraki is currently battling with a number of political frictions arising from clashes of interests over some positions, among some of his associates across the state, leading to serious internal rivalry that now threatens the cohesiveness of his once solidly united political family. Not unaware of the development, the Senate President has on several occasions called his men to order, urging them to shun all forms of divisive politicking.

    “In December here in Ilorin, after lamenting what he called dangerous politics by some of his people, Saraki begged everyone to leave 2019 in the hands of God and stop fighting one another. That notwithstanding, his aides and associates are still at loggerhead over who should take what in 2019. From a fierce struggle for the senatorial seat in the southern part of the state, to an unending tussle over some House of Representatives seats across the state and even a rumored rumble over how the next governor of the state should emerge, the list is growing.

    Battle for the south

    If information from Ilorin, the state capital, is anything to go by, the alleged desire of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed to head to the senate in 2019 as the representative of Kwara South Senatorial District is one of the issues causing disaffection among supporters of the Senate President. Ahmed will be finishing his second term as governor and will not be eligible to seek re-election as governor.

    While many of his supporters see his rumored senatorial aspiration as normal and deserved, those opposed to his desire say he is asking for too much as the current occupant of the seat Dr. Rafiu Ibrahim, is just in his first term and has declared intention to return to the senate in 2019. Both Ahmed and Ibrahim are lieutenants of the Senate President who is the leader of the ruling APC in the state.

    Sources close to the three politicians say the looming political face-off between the Governor and Senator Ibrahim is already causing clashes among their supporters, especially back home in Offa, Oyun Ifelodun Federal Constituency of the state, where they both hail from. “We have had cases of their supporters fighting themselves back home in the south,” our source said.

    Meanwhile, The Nation gathered that the alleged preference of Ibrahim for the senate seat ahead of Ahmed by Saraki is already public knowledge within the camp. This, sources claim, has further heightened tension as supporters of the governor have vowed to ensure he gets the ticket. ‘He is the seating governor and should ordinarily be the leader of the party in the state.

    “It is not out of place for him to want to go to the senate in 2019 after the expiration of his term. He will not be the first to do that. So, why should he not be given the preference to achieve that in 2019? But we are not unaware of the efforts of some people to use their closeness to certain quarters to turn the table against him. How that will work out is what we will all have to see,” another party source said.

    But another source claimed it is not as simple as the governor just wanting to go to the senate after his tenure. “He became governor on the goodwill of someone. His choice back then was based on certain considerations. If certain considerations are now suggesting he cannot displace someone from the senate, then shouldn’t his supporters understand that? We have a way of handling this before now,” he argued.

    And if the Senate President thought his only headache in Kwara South is how to choose between Ahmed and Ibrahim in 2019, it turned out wrong with the entrance of Hon. Saheed Popoola into the race. The member of the state House of Assembly, though not as close to Saraki as Ahmed and Ibrahim, given that he was in the Action Congress (AC) before the formation of APC, is yet another politician whose ambition is unsettling the politics of the state.

    The Nation gathered that associates of the Senate President are worried that with the ongoing clamour that Offa should be allowed to produce a senator for the southern district like other towns in the area, Popoola’s aspiration may alter permutations in 2019. “Popoola is a member of the APC too and he is from Offa, a town that is yet to produce a senator since the return to democracy.”

    So fierce is the struggle that a recall process against Senator Ibrahim by some of his constituents is now a subject of allegations and counter allegations. While those championing the recall said it is because the Senator has not represented them well, Ibrahim and his people insist the entire process was initiated by “those seeking to become senator in 2019.”

    Ahmed Akorede, Secretary of Kwara South Unity Forum, the group championing the recall process, denied reports that the group is working with the governor of the state to victimize Senator Rafiu with the recall attempt. He affirmed that members of the group are out to exercise their constitutional power to recall any political representative who has failed to meet the expectation of the people that voted for him.

    But former Transition Implementation Chairman, Irepodun Local Government, Kashim Adekanye, described the planned recall as cheap blackmail. “All of us, the followers of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, are united under that banner. We have thrown our weight behind the senator. “Apart from this, Ibrahim has been consulting with the APC leaders in the senatorial district from time to time as a loyal member of the APC and has committed to meeting the yearning and aspirations of the people.”

    Speaking recently through his media officer, Ibrahim said, “No doubt, these individuals, from our findings, enjoy the romance and patronage of some top government officials. We have seen clear pointer that it’s a conspiracy and a direct message from the people who are eyeing the Kwara South Senatorial seat come 2019. We can never be deterred or distracted by these faceless and invisible elements that only exist on the pages of the newspapers.”

    Another crisis in the north

    In the northern senatorial district of the state, some allies of the Senate President are also at loggerheads, though for a different reason entirely; the tussle for the governorship ticket of the APC in 2019. Reports say the APC has already zoned its 2019 governorship ticket to Kwara North, which has never occupied the post since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

    With the zoning favoring his district, former governor of the state and staunch ally of Saraki’s, Senator Shaaba Lafiagi, is believed to have made up his mind to return to the Government House in 2019. But it is being strongly rumoured that Saraki is rooting for 45-year-old Hon. Mohammed Zakari, a member of the House of Representatives.

    Zakari, who represents Baruten/Kaiama Federal Constituency in the lower chamber, is on a second-term. He is said to have impressed the Senate President with unending display of loyalty and vibrancy since joining his political camp years back. It is this alleged support from Saraki that is pitching Zakari against other gubernatorial hopefuls, including Lafiagi.

    Lafiagi, who was the governor of the state from January 1 1992-November 1993 under the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), sees himself as more deserving of the ticket, not just as a former governor, but as the current highest political holder from the zone. And in spite of all he hears and sees, the older politician, according to his supporters, believes he will get Saraki’s nod when the chips are down.

    It is also believed that some of the Senate President’s supporters may be toying with the idea of pushing Bolaji Abdulai, former Sports Minister and spokesman of the APC, into the governorship race as a form of mid-way option should the hostilities being generated by the rivalry among the current contenders continue. “Abdullai is yet to tell anyone he wants to be governor but it is not impossible to see him run if what we are hearing is anything to believe,” a source said.

    “Abdulai is not the only person close to the leader that is being mentioned. For now, Hon. Baago Patigi, a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Mohammed Zakari, a member of the House of Representatives, Senator Shaaba Lafiagi, Rt. Hon. Ahmad Ali, Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, and many others who are close to Dr. Saraki, are reportedly interested in the race,” our source added.

  • NYSC  tasks employers on welfare, security of corps members

    Mr Remigius Amaefule, the State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Scheme ( NYSC )  in Kwara,  has advised employers to make the  welfare and security of corps members deployed to them their  priority.

    The coordinator gave the advice on Wednesday at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Yikpata, Edu Local Government Area, at the closing ceremony of the 2018 Batch ‘A’ orientation course.

    He said the 1,940 corps members were posted according to their disciplines across the 16 local government areas of the state based on the NYSC policy.

    “I wish to state categorically that the optimum welfare and security of our corps members is paramount to us.

    “Therefore, we shall not hesitate to repost any of our corps members from any corps employers  if we discover they are not well taken care of, or are under-utilised,” Amaefule said.

    The coordinator also implored the corps members to accept their posting in good faith, warning them not to induce their rejection.

    “My appeal to you is to settle down in your respective local government areas and contribute your own quota to the development of our great nation, Nigeria, through Community Development Service Projects ( CDS ),” he said.

    The coordinator also advised the corps members to make use of the skill acquisition ventures that they were exposed to during the three-week orientation course.

    “You are ambassadors of your families, state and NYSC, never do anything that will bring their names to disrepute.

    “I advise you not to embark on unauthorised journeys outside the state as it may attract sanctions apart from other associated risks,” he added.

    Amaefule encouraged the corps members to study the culture and tradition of their host communities.

    “You must as a matter of courtesy respect their norms and values and steer clear of their taboos and local politics,” he said.

    Read Also: Disclose health status, NYSC DG urges corps members

    The coordinator commended the state government for the donation of 300 mattresses, 300 plastic chairs and 150 double bunk beds.

    “I also appreciate the State Muslim Welfare Board and the Osun State NYSC for releasing some mattresses to us at a time we were in dire need,” he said.

    In his address, Govcommended the corps members for the successful completion of the 21- day orientation course.

    The governor, represented by the Head of Service, Mrs Susan Oluwole, saluted the courage, patriotism, doggedness and loyalty demonstrated throughout the orientation exercise by the corps members.

    “As you set out to go and report at your places of primary assignment, I urge you to follow the indelible footprints of your predecessors by acting as catalysts of physical and socio-economic development of our state and nation in general,” he said.

    The governor advised the corps members to make use of the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development initiative with the hope that many of them might be motivated  to go into self-employment after service.

    Ahmed told the corps members that in as much as government at all levels was making effort to solve the perennial unemployment problem among Nigerian youths, the few opportunities cannot go round.

    “Therefore, it behoves on you to take advantage of your service year to prepare yourselves toward  self-employment and becoming eventual employers of labour,” he  said.

    He assured the corps members of his government’s readiness to place more priority on their welfare and security throughout the service year.

    “No stone will be left upturned in ensuring that you have a smooth and hitch-free service in the state.

    “The state government will continue to improve facilities in the orientation camp in order to make it more habitable for the ever-increasing corps population,” he said.  

    NAN

  • Lifeless body of boy found in Ilorin

    Residents of Kuntu/Oja-Tuntun area of Ilorin, the Kwara state capital were stunned when they found on Tuesday morning the lifeless body of one Ibrahim Shuaib.

    The corpse of the late boy was allegedly found near a stream in the area.

    It was gathered that Shuaib was a student in one of the Qur’anic ‎and Arabic studies, in Ilorin.

    The deceased corpse was said to have been discovered by some traders who were on their way to the market.

    His Qur’anic teacher Ustaz Yunus Apo was shocked about the sudden death of Shuaib, saying that he was in good health previous night when they parted.

    He said “it was a misery that Shuaib is dead. I couldn’t believe it. He was having fun with his friends last night,it was one of his friends who came to break the sad news to me.”

    Also one of his friends who craved anonymity said Shuaib was hale and hearty before their separation the previous night.

    He wondered why and when he woke up and went to the stream, only to be found dead, saying “i was surprised to hear the news of ibrahim’s death,until I saw his corpse in the stream with my eyes”

    Kwara state police command spokesperson Ajayi Okasanmi confirmed the incident.

    “It’s true. We heard that he jumped into the river to swim and died. His remains had been taken to the mortuary of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital” he said.

  • Police blame Offa robbery on intelligence breakdown, others

    The Kwara state police command on Thursday attributed the recent robbery and horrendous killings in Offa, Offa local government of the state to breakdown in intelligence.

    The police added that the deployment of massive criminals to the police station also overwhelmed few numbers of officers and men at the station.

    Newly posted Commissioner of police to the state Aminu Pai Saleh told reporters in Ilorin, the state capital, adding that hitherto the connection between the police and members of the public has been at its lowest ebb.

    Mr. Saleh, a former commandant, Police College Kaduna, added that the state command had deficit of armoured personnel carrier (APC).

    “We have two moribund ones. Currently, we are talking with the state government to help us fix the moribund ones. Indeed, the state government has been of immense assistance to us,” the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria said.

    Said he: “Scenarios like the one that happened in Offa is not allowed to occur again not only in Offa but throughout the length and breadth of the state; as part of effort to walk the talk, i have put some strategy in place. Apart from physically re-organising the security architecture of the state, we have begun a complete re-orientation of the officers and men on the need for them to be prepared and give the best to protect the people.

    “To do so, we are repositioning our strategies including personnel reorganisation and widening our reach. Officers have been moved from one point to the other; more police presence in every nook and cranny of the state; patrol by officers within the city is intensified on 24 hours basis. Consultation has begun with relevant stakeholders in the state.

    “Bankers, hotels, student body, selected youth organizations, traditional institutions and government at all levels in a bid to strengthen our capacity to discharge our responsibilities effectively, in spite of the challenges faced by the command. We have received assurances from the police authorities and the state government to support us with basic working tools like communication gadgets, vehicles for patrol.

    “We have also resolved to ensure that community policing is made our way of bringing service to the people while officers and men in the command have been warned to be professional and are aware of the consequences of corrupt engagements incivility and service impact.

    “As much as we are ready to serve with all we have, we also appeal to the people to once again have confidence is us; give us information and join hands with us.”

    The commissioner assured that he was ready to partner with the media to make Kwara state a safe place for all to live.

  • Kwara shares N4bn loan to offset teachers, LG workers’ salary arrears

    The Kwara State Government has shared  N4 billion credit facility  between  the State Universal Basic Education Board ( SUBEB ) and the local government councils  to offset part of the salary arrears owed their workers.

    The state Joint Account Allocation Committee ( JAAC ) shared the loan between SUBEB and local government councils late on Monday.

    The newsmen reports that the 16 local government councils in the state received N1.150 billion.

    Also, the State Universal Basic Education ( SUBEB ), responsible for primary and junior secondary school workers, got N2.150 billion.

    Mr Joshua Omokanye told newsmen that the state government obtained the loan following an agreement among the executives of the 16 local government areas.

    The newsmen reports that Omokanye is the current Chairman of the State’s Association of Local Governments of Nigeria ( ALGON ).

    Omokanye, also the Chairman of Oyun Local Government Area, said that N400 million from the loan was earmarked to pay local government pensioners.

    He added that N300 million would go into the payment of allowances owed former political office holders at the council level.

    Read Also: Kwara monarchs get N49m arrears

    According to him, the part payment of salary arrears will ameliorate the sufferings of the staff of the two government units.

    The meeting was attended by the chairmen of 16 local government councils in the state and their treasurers.

    Also, the permanent secretaries in the state Ministries of Finance and that of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs attended the meeting.

    Others that also attended include: the chairman of the state Local Government Service Commission and leaders of labour unions among others.

    The newsmen reports that the Kwara House of Assembly approved the request from Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed to obtain the loan two weeks ago.

    NAN

  • Man, 25 commit suicide over football betting

    A 25 year old man has reportedly committed suicide in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital.

    The deceased allegedly took his live by hanging himself on a ceiling fan in his apartment.

    He was said to have lost out in a betting over the outcome of a European Champion League match.

    The incident was said to have occurred in  Oko-Erin area of the town after the return leg match between FC Barcelona of Spain and AS Roma of Italy played in Italy.

    He was said to have bet that  Barcelona who were leading by 4-1 in the first leg played at Nou Camp, Spain would maintain lead at end of the return leg and b through to the semi-final of the championship.

    However, the match turned out to be 3-0 in favour of AS Roma making the aggregate result to be 4-4 with Roma qualifying for the semi-final at the expense of Barcelona by virtue of away goals rule.

    The result made the deceased to lose the motorcycle to his opponent in the bet as the opponent reportedly smiled home with the bike from the viewing centre at the night immediately after the match.

    The man was said to be downcast with the loss of the motorcycle as some said  he used it for commercial purposes and that it was his main source of livelihood while some others said it was someone else and not him the owner of the bike and that he only had it in his custody on behalf of the owner.

    It was learnt that not being able to recover from the trauma, the man resorted to committing suicide by hanging himself.

    An eyewitness  who said not many people was aware of the incident disclosed that the development devastated the deceased’s Igbo kinsmen in the area who lamented  the action of the man.

    Kwara  state police command spokesperson Ajayi Okasanmi confirmed the suicide.

    He said it was not in connection with Match bettings.

    Okasanmi explained that report with him indicated that the man committed the suicide because of huge debt hanging on his neck saying “the man was said to have incurred debt here and there.”

  • Saraki, Ahmed urge Nigerians to pray for peace

    Senate President Bukola Saraki and Kwara state Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed have urged churches and their leadership to keep for Nigeria’s peace and sustainable development at all times.

    They said that Nigeria is currently going through socio-economic, political and security challenges.

    Speaking at the second session of the 15th synod of Anglican Diocese of Kwara state at St. Barnabas Cathedral, Ilorin, Senator Saraki said that all Nigerians have a role to play in nation building and good governance.

    “As a spiritual body, I will further urge you not to relent in your prayers and intercession for our nation as we all do not have any other place to call our own. The National Assembly, the Senate in particular, we seek your support and the need to work together as our doors are opened for your advice and consultation. It is high time we embraced our unity in diversity, respect for one another, eschew that tenets that will divide us”, he said.

    Represented by his deputy chief of staff, Gbenga Makanjuola, the Senate president also said that there is a light at the end of the tunnel if all Nigerians could work together.

    “Let our message from this synod be a message of hope, love and unity. Let us celebrate that which binds us together as people and as a nation and Nigeria will be better place for all of us and generations yet to come.

    “Over the years, the Christian community in Kwara state has played a vital role in sustaining the peace, unity and coexistence of our great state, hence this has helped us as inhabitants to live and relate harmoniously even in the face if socioeconomic and political challenges. Several times, our peace and unity has been tested but to the Glory of God, we are still standing tall”, he said.

    Also speaking, Governor Ahmed said that current challenges facing the country were huge.

    He added that, “but with divine prayers, our collective will and determination, we shall definitely overcome them and make our country great”.

    The governor charged religious leaders to continue to uphold virtues of love, unity, peaceful coexistence and good neighbourliness, saying that they should encourage their followers to do same.

    He said: “We should always advise them to shun acts capable of causing disunity and religious intolerance. Without doubt, our diversity remains of one of the things that make us unique as a nation, and we must do everything within our power to promote religious and ethnic harmony, tolerance and understanding.”

    In his charge at the synod, themed, Finishing Strong”, Bishop of the diocese of Kwara, Most Rev Olusegun Adeyemi admission the federal government to find amicable and long lasting solutions to, “unnecessary bloodletting confrontation in Benue state among the state government, farmers and herdsmen.

    “This country belongs to all of us. The law of the land should be obeyed by all. If peace is to be long lasting, every sector of the community should be disarmed.”

     

  • Offa Robbery: Aregbesola pays condolence visit to Olofa

     asks that perpetrators be brought to justice

    Following the armed robbery attack that claimed many lives of in Offa, Kwara State, the Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has described the recent armed robbery attacks in Offa, Kwara state as the worst in the history of the ancient town.

    He called on security agencies at various levels to beam their searchlights into the incident and launch thorough investigation to unravel the incident.

    He made the call on Friday during a condolence visit to Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Oloyede, at his palace, in Offa, Kwara State.

    Aregbesola described the attack as barbaric in the modern society, saying no effort must be spared to unravel the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

    According to him, what happened last week was very unfortunate, barbaric, saddening and uncalled for. It was like what happened about 132 years ago in this town.

    “I deemed it fit to be here in my capacity not only as a Governor but as a brother, friend and in-law to the people of Offa and Kwara State in general.

    “It is on record that our people in Osun have had robust relationship and affection with the people of Offa, prompting us to be here in large number.

    “I came here with members of my cabinet to sympathize with the good people of Offa and Kwara State, particularly the family of those that lost their lives to the unfortunate incident.

    “The incident has once again challenged us on the need to tighten internal security and I am very sure that the perpetrators would not go unpunished.

    “As Muslims, we believe that the incident was God’s will and those that lost their lives have been destined to experience such as we pray God to grant the souls of the departed the best place in Paradise and give their family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss”, Aregbesola added.

    Governor Aregbesola who had earlier observed Jumat Service with Oba Okikiola at Offa Central Mosque, called on the people of the town to remain calm and go on their normal businesses as efforts are in top gear to forestall future occurrence.

    He said the matter has been taken up by the appropriate security agencies, affirming that the perpetrators will soon be exposed and brought to justice in due course.

    Aregbesola however visited the attacked Police Divisional Headquarters, where he consoled the officers and men of Nigeria Police Force on the duty on the loss of their colleagues to the incident.

    In his remarks, the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Oloyede Okikiola attributed the incident to God’s will.

    Olofa noted that the family of the victims and the entire people of the town have taken consolidation in God, noting the ancient town is vastly religious.

    ‎”What happened to us last week is considered as God’s will that is why my subjects have been going on their normal businesses.

    “We are consoled with the fact that this incident will mark the beginning of success and blessing to us as we have been hearing good news from government at various levels to support the town in strengthening the security.

    “Investigation is ongoing and we are rest assured that the bandits will be brought to justice in no distance time”, Olofa stressed.